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How to Say "embarrassed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

avergonzado

ah-ver-gon-SAH-doha.βeɾ.ɣonˈsa.ðo

adjectiveA2General
Use this word when you feel a strong sense of shame or awkwardness due to something that happened, especially if others witnessed it.
A child is sitting alone on the floor, hunched over and hiding their face completely in their hands, conveying deep shame or embarrassment.

Examples

Estaba muy avergonzado después de caerse frente a todos.

He was very embarrassed after falling in front of everyone.

Ella se sintió avergonzada por el comentario que hizo.

She felt ashamed of the comment she made.

Los niños se quedaron en silencio, avergonzados de su travesura.

The children stayed silent, embarrassed by their mischief.

Adjective Agreement

Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the person or thing you are describing: 'avergonzada' (f), 'avergonzados' (m plural), 'avergonzadas' (f plural).

Mixing up the verbs

Mistake: “Soy avergonzado (Using 'ser')”

Correction: Estoy avergonzado (Using 'estar'). Feeling shame is a temporary emotional state, so you must use the verb 'estar' to describe it.

apenado

ah-peh-NAH-dohapeˈnaðo

adjectiveB1General
This term describes a feeling of shyness or being self-conscious, often in a social situation where you might feel slightly out of place or hesitant.
A young child hiding their face behind their hands while blushing.

Examples

No te quedes ahí apenado, ¡pasa y conoce a la familia!

Don't stand there shyly, come in and meet the family!

Me sentí muy apenado cuando se me olvidó tu nombre.

I felt very embarrassed when I forgot your name.

Él estaba apenado por haber llegado tan tarde a la cena.

He was ashamed of having arrived so late to the dinner.

Social Context

This word describes that 'awkward' feeling you get when you've made a mistake or are the center of attention.

The 'Pregnant' Trap

Mistake: “Estoy muy embarazado por mi error.”

Correction: Estoy muy apenado por mi error. 'Embarazado' means pregnant; 'apenado' is the word you want for embarrassed!

cortado

kor-TAH-dohkoɾˈtaðo

adjectiveB2Informal
Choose this word when someone is rendered speechless or awkward due to a sudden question, situation, or remark, indicating a temporary loss of composure.
A simple character standing alone, blushing deeply on their cheeks and looking down, indicating embarrassment.

Examples

Cuando le hicieron la pregunta, se quedó completamente cortado.

When they asked him the question, he was left completely tongue-tied.

Estaba tan cortado que no pudo decir ni una palabra.

He was so embarrassed that he couldn't say a single word.

Using 'Estar'

This adjective describes a temporary state or feeling, so it is always used with the verb 'estar' (to be in a state), not 'ser' (to be permanent).

Confusing 'Cortado' and 'Cortar'

Mistake: “Using 'cortar' when you mean 'to be embarrassed' (e.g., 'Yo corto').”

Correction: Use the adjective form with 'estar': 'Yo estoy cortado' (I am embarrassed).

Avergonzado vs. Apenado

Learners often confuse 'avergonzado' and 'apenado'. 'Avergonzado' implies a deeper shame or public awkwardness, while 'apenado' suggests more general shyness or social discomfort. Think of 'avergonzado' for 'ashamed' and 'apenado' for 'shy'.

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