Inklingo

How to Say "shameful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vergonzoso

vair-gohn-SOH-soh/beɾ.ɣonˈso.so/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'vergonzoso' when describing an action, situation, or behavior that is disgraceful, humiliating, or causes a strong sense of shame.
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-bleh//lamenˈtaβle/

adjectiveB1General
Use 'lamentable' when an action or situation is disappointing, regrettable, or worthy of sorrow, often implying a failure to meet expectations rather than outright disgrace.
A child looking sadly at a dropped ice cream cone melting on the sidewalk.

Examples

Es lamentable que no hayan podido completar el proyecto a tiempo.

It is shameful (regrettable) that they could not complete the project on time.

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.

Vergonzoso vs. Lamentable

Learners often confuse 'vergonzoso' and 'lamentable'. Remember that 'vergonzoso' implies disgrace or humiliation, while 'lamentable' focuses more on disappointment or sorrow over a regrettable outcome.

Related Translations

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