Inklingo

How to Say "embarrassed" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “embarrassed” is “avergonzado” — use 'avergonzado' when you feel shame, humiliation, or a general sense of awkwardness due to something you did or that happened to you..

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avergonzado

ah-ver-gon-SAH-doh/a.βeɾ.ɣonˈsa.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'avergonzado' when you feel shame, humiliation, or a general sense of awkwardness due to something you did or that happened to you.
A child is sitting alone on the floor, hunched over and hiding their face completely in their hands, conveying deep shame or embarrassment.

Examples

Me sentí muy avergonzado cuando olvidé el nombre de mi jefe.

I felt very embarrassed when I forgot my boss's name.

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.

cortado

/kor-TAH-doh//koɾˈtaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'cortado' when you feel awkward or flustered, often due to a social situation, unexpected question, or sudden silence.
A simple character standing alone, blushing deeply on their cheeks and looking down, indicating embarrassment.

Examples

Se quedó cortado al darse cuenta de que había dicho algo inapropiado.

He was left embarrassed (or flustered) when he realized he had said something inappropriate.

Cuando le hicieron la pregunta, se quedó completamente cortado.

When they asked him the question, he was left completely tongue-tied (or speechless).

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. Cortado

Learners often confuse 'avergonzado' and 'cortado'. Remember that 'avergonzado' is broader, covering shame and general awkwardness, while 'cortado' specifically describes feeling flustered or socially awkward, often in response to a specific interaction or situation.

Related Translations

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