Inklingo
← Dictionary

vergüenza

/vair-GWEN-sah/

embarrassment

A storybook illustration of a child blushing deeply and hiding their face with their hands, symbolizing embarrassment.

Embarrassment (vergüenza) can make you want to hide!

vergüenza(noun)

fA1

embarrassment

?

The feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness

,

shame

?

A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by wrong or foolish behavior

Also:

modesty

?

Feeling of propriety (less common today)

📝 In Action

Me dio mucha vergüenza hablar en público por primera vez.

A2

I felt a lot of embarrassment speaking in public for the first time.

Ocultó su cara roja por la vergüenza.

A1

She hid her red face out of shame/embarrassment.

Si no tienes vergüenza de bailar mal, ¡simplemente baila!

B1

If you have no shame about dancing badly, just dance!

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bochorno (blush/humiliation)
  • rubor (blush/redness)

Antonyms

  • orgullo (pride)
  • valentía (bravery)

Common Collocations

  • tener vergüenza – to be shy/ashamed
  • dar vergüenza – to cause embarrassment
  • morirse de vergüenza – to be mortified (die of shame)

Idioms & Expressions

  • ¡Qué vergüenza! – How embarrassing!

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Vergüenza' for Feelings

Unlike English 'to be embarrassed,' Spanish uses the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'dar' (to give/cause). You 'have' the feeling (Tengo vergüenza) or something 'gives' you the feeling (Me da vergüenza).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'

Mistake: "Estoy vergüenza."

Correction: Tengo vergüenza (I have embarrassment). 'Vergüenza' is always a noun you possess, not an adjective describing your state.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Dar'

If a situation or object is the cause of the feeling, use 'dar': 'Esa canción me da vergüenza ajena' (That song gives me second-hand embarrassment).

A storybook illustration showing a lone, sad figure slumped on a stool, visually isolated from shadowy figures standing nearby who appear disappointed, illustrating disgrace.

Disgrace (vergüenza) is a situation that causes great disappointment or shame.

vergüenza(noun)

fB1

disgrace

?

A situation that causes outrage or disappointment

,

shamelessness

?

Lack of decency or propriety

Also:

scandal

?

A shocking or improper event

📝 In Action

Es una vergüenza que los niños pasen hambre en este país tan rico.

B1

It is a disgrace/shame that children go hungry in such a rich country.

Mi vecino, sinvergüenza, tiró su basura en mi jardín.

B2

My shameless neighbor threw his trash in my garden.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • desgracia (misfortune/disgrace)
  • indignidad (indignity)

Common Collocations

  • pasar vergüenza – to suffer embarrassment
  • sin vergüenza – shameless (often used as a strong insult)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Vergüenza ajena – Second-hand embarrassment (feeling embarrassed for someone else)

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Es una vergüenza'

When talking about general social situations or behavior that is unacceptable, use 'Es una vergüenza que...' followed by the special verb form (the subjunctive) to express disapproval.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Single Word 'Sinvergüenza'

When referring to a shameless person, the words often combine into a single noun or adjective: 'un sinvergüenza' or 'una sinvergüenza'. Note that the form stays the same for male and female.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: vergüenza

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is correctly used to describe the feeling of embarrassment using 'vergüenza'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

avergonzar(to embarrass/shame) - verb
vergonzoso(embarrassing/shameful) - adjective
sinvergüenza(shameless person/disgrace) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'vergüenza' different from 'pena'?

'Vergüenza' is usually about humiliation, social discomfort, or a feeling tied to one's actions or reputation. 'Pena' is softer; it can mean 'pity,' 'sadness,' or a slight, fleeting feeling of shyness or embarrassment. If you blush and want to hide, you feel 'vergüenza'; if you feel bad for someone else's misfortune, you feel 'pena'.

What is the small mark over the 'u' in 'vergüenza'?

That mark is called a 'diéresis' (or umlaut). It tells you that the 'u' must be pronounced. Without the diéresis (e.g., 'verguenza'), the 'u' would be silent, making it sound like 'ver-GEN-sa.' The diéresis makes sure you pronounce the 'GWEN' sound.