Inklingo

How to Say "shameful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vergonzoso

vair-gohn-SOH-sohbeɾ.ɣonˈso.so

adjectiveB1general
Use this word to describe an action, situation, or behavior that causes disgrace, embarrassment, or is morally wrong.
A cartoon character standing next to a tipped-over vase, covering their face completely with their hands, indicating deep shame or embarrassment.

Examples

La corrupción en el gobierno es vergonzosa.

The corruption in the government is shameful.

La manera en que trataron al cliente fue vergonzosa.

The way they treated the customer was shameful (or disgraceful).

Olvidar mi discurso fue un momento vergonzoso.

Forgetting my speech was an embarrassing moment.

Es vergonzoso que todavía tengamos este problema.

It is embarrassing that we still have this problem.

Making it Match

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'vergonzoso' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use -a for feminine nouns (vergonzosa) and add -s for plurals (vergonzosos/vergonzosas).

Mixing up the 'Oso' words

Mistake: “Using 'vergonzoso' when you mean 'vergonzante' (which is very rare and means 'shaming').”

Correction: Always use 'vergonzoso' to describe something that causes shame or is full of shame.

lamentable

lah-men-TAH-blehlamenˈtaβle

adjectiveB1general
Choose this word when 'shameful' implies something is regrettable, sad, or disappointing, often due to a failure or poor outcome.
A child looking sadly at a dropped ice cream cone melting on the sidewalk.

Examples

Es lamentable que no se haya hecho nada para evitar la crisis.

It is shameful (regrettable) that nothing was done to prevent the crisis.

Es lamentable que hayamos perdido el partido.

It is regrettable that we lost the game.

Fue un error lamentable.

It was an unfortunate mistake.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing. For example, 'un error lamentable' and 'una noticia lamentable'.

Expressing Feelings

When you start a sentence with 'Es lamentable que...', the action that follows needs a special verb form (the subjunctive) because you are sharing an emotion about it.

Gender Trap

Mistake: “una situación lamentabla”

Correction: una situación lamentable. Even though 'situación' is feminine, words ending in -e usually don't change to -a.

penoso

peh-NOH-sohpeˈnoso

adjectiveB1general
Use this term when 'shameful' conveys a sense of pitifulness, sadness, or a situation that deserves pity or blame for its poor state.
A small bird sitting alone on a bare branch under a gray rain cloud.

Examples

El estado de abandono del parque es penoso.

The state of neglect of the park is shameful (pitiful).

Es penoso ver cómo ha quedado la ciudad tras la tormenta.

It is sad to see how the city looks after the storm.

Fue un momento muy penoso cuando se le olvidó el discurso.

It was a very embarrassing moment when he forgot his speech.

Su comportamiento en la reunión fue realmente penoso.

His behavior at the meeting was truly pitiful.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to 'penosa' for feminine items (una noticia penosa) and add an 's' for plural items (momentos penosos).

Using with 'Ser'

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) when describing a situation that is inherently sad or embarrassing, like 'Es penoso' (It's embarrassing).

Sad vs. Shy

Mistake: “Using 'penoso' to mean 'shy' in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'tímido'. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, 'penoso' is perfectly fine for 'shy'!

Choosing Between Vergonzoso and Lamentable

Learners often confuse 'vergonzoso' and 'lamentable'. Remember that 'vergonzoso' focuses on the disgrace or moral wrongness of an action, while 'lamentable' emphasizes the sadness or disappointment of an outcome.

Related Translations

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