Inklingo

How to Say "embarrassment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vergüenza

nounA1General
Use 'vergüenza' when referring to the emotional feeling of shame, awkwardness, or self-consciousness, especially in a more formal or intense context.

Examples

Me dio mucha vergüenza hablar en público por primera vez.

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

pena

/PEH-nah//ˈpena/

nounB1General
Choose 'pena' to describe the feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness, often implying a milder or more personal discomfort, or even pity.
A person standing awkwardly in a spotlight, blushing intensely and covering their mouth, illustrating shyness.

Examples

Me da pena hablar en público.

I get embarrassed speaking in public.

No tengas pena, pregunta lo que quieras.

Don't be shy, ask whatever you want.

A mi hijo le da pena hablar con adultos.

My son is shy about talking to adults.

Confusing Sadness and Shyness

Mistake: “Thinking 'Me da pena' always means 'It makes me sad'.”

Correction: Context is key! If someone is about to perform or speak, 'Me da pena' almost always means 'I'm embarrassed/nervous'. If they are talking about a sad situation, it means 'It makes me sad'.

apuro

/ah-POO-roh//aˈpuɾo/

nounB1General
Use 'apuro' to describe a difficult, awkward, or embarrassing situation or predicament that you need to get out of.
A small kitten stuck on a high tree branch, looking down with a worried expression.

Examples

Tu ayuda me sacó de un gran apuro.

Your help got me out of a big predicament.

No quiero ponerte en un apuro, pero necesito el dinero.

I don't want to put you in a tight spot, but I need the money.

Using the Plural

While you can be in 'un apuro' (one predicament), Spanish speakers often use the plural 'en apuros' to say they are generally 'in trouble' or 'in a jam'.

Apuro vs. Apurado

Mistake: “Using 'tengo apuro' when you mean 'I am embarrassed'.”

Correction: Say 'estoy avergonzado' for embarrassment. 'Tengo apuro' means you are in a rush or 'Me da apuro' means something feels socially awkward to do.

Feeling vs. Situation

Learners often confuse 'vergüenza' and 'pena' because both relate to feelings. Remember that 'vergüenza' is the more direct translation for the feeling of shame/embarrassment, while 'pena' can also imply a milder discomfort or even pity. 'Apuro' is distinct as it refers to an awkward situation, not the feeling itself.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.