verguenza
nounCEFR B2
What does “verguenza” mean in English?
shame, embarrassment — the feeling of distress caused by wrong or foolish behaviour
shame, embarrassment — the feeling of distress caused by wrong or foolish behaviour (sentir/pasar vergüenza; vergüenza social)
Example sentences
La vergüenza social asociada al desempleo puede dificultar que las personas busquen la ayuda que necesitan.
The social shame associated with unemployment can make it harder for people to seek the help they need.
Sentí vergüenza ajena viendo cómo el político evadía las preguntas del periodista tan torpemente.
I felt second-hand embarrassment watching how the politician evaded the journalist's questions so clumsily.
El informe reveló prácticas empresariales tan cuestionables que el director admitió sentir vergüenza por ellas.
The report revealed such questionable business practices that the director admitted feeling ashamed of them.
How to use it
La vergüenza (noun, feminine) means 'shame, embarrassment' — the distressing feeling caused by wrong, foolish, or undignified behaviour. Core B2 collocations: sentir/pasar vergüenza; ¡qué vergüenza! (how shameful!); vergüenza ajena (second-hand embarrassment); sin vergüenza (shameless); la vergüenza social. The adjective is vergonzoso/a. Distinguish from culpa (guilt — internal moral feeling) and humillación (humiliation — public dishonour).
Common mistake
Vergüenza ajena is a uniquely common concept in Spanish — feeling embarrassed on behalf of others. ¡Qué vergüenza! is a very frequent exclamation. 'Shameless' = sinvergüenza (as a noun/adjective). Don't confuse with culpa (guilt — internal conscience) or humillación (public humiliation).