Hello, I’m Kodak.
You make a mistake in front of everyone. Someone compliments you. You wear an outfit that attracts attention. You remember something foolish you did years ago.
In all of these situations, a Japanese speaker may say:
恥ずかしい！
Hazukashii!
I’m embarrassed! / This is embarrassing!
That makes the word look simple—but English uses several different words for the feeling.
⇒ embarrassed
⇒ ashamed
⇒ shy or self-conscious
⇒ bashful
⇒ embarrassing or shameful
“I strongly notice how I appear to other people—or how I fail to match the person I believe I should be.”
The cause may be a mistake, attention, praise, romance, poor behavior, or an awkward situation.
恥ずかしい (hazukashii) means feeling that you want to hide, look away, or avoid attention because of a mistake, weakness, unwanted attention, shyness, or awareness of other people’s eyes.
The correct English translation depends on the cause:
embarrassed, ashamed, shy, bashful, self-conscious, or awkward.
We will separate its meanings by asking one question:
“Why does the speaker want to hide?”
What Does Hazukashii (恥ずかしい) Mean in Japanese?
恥ずかしい has two major modern uses.
You feel bad because your action, ability, appearance, or result does not meet your own or society’s standards.
Meaning 2: shy / bashful / self-conscious under attention
You do not necessarily believe you did something wrong, but being watched, praised, or emotionally exposed makes you want to hide.
みんなの前で名前を間違えて恥ずかしかった。
Minna no mae de namae o machigaete hazukashikatta.
I was embarrassed because I got the name wrong in front of everyone.
約束を破った自分が恥ずかしい。
Yakusoku o yabutta jibun ga hazukashii.
I am ashamed of myself for breaking my promise.
人前で歌うのは恥ずかしい。
Hitomae de utau no wa hazukashii.
I feel shy about singing in front of people.
そんなに褒められると恥ずかしいよ。
Sonna ni homeraru to hazukashii yo.
I get embarrassed when you praise me that much.
Praise places attention on them and exposes their feelings. In English, embarrassed, bashful, or self-conscious is more natural there.
The Core Image of Hazukashii: “Wanting to Hide from a Gaze”
The causes of 恥ずかしい vary, but the emotional movement is similar.
＋
I imagine how others see me—or judge myself by an ideal
＋
I feel exposed, inadequate, or too visible
↓
I want to hide, look away, or escape the attention
① You fall on stage.
② Someone publicly praises your love letter.
③ You realize you lied to a friend.
④ Everyone looks at your unusual clothes.
The reasons differ, but in every scene you may think, “Please don’t look at me.”
In that case, the “gaze” may be an imagined social gaze or your own moral standard.
Embarrassed, Ashamed, or Shy? How to Translate Hazukashii
The cause determines the best English translation.
⇒ embarrassed
You regret bad or dishonorable behavior
⇒ ashamed
You dislike being watched or speaking to strangers
⇒ shy / self-conscious
You receive praise or romantic attention
⇒ bashful / embarrassed
A situation feels socially uncomfortable
⇒ embarrassed / awkward
A behavior or object would damage one’s dignity
⇒ embarrassing / shameful / disgraceful
転んで恥ずかしかった。
I was embarrassed when I fell.
人をだました自分が恥ずかしい。
I am ashamed of myself for deceiving someone.
知らない人に話しかけるのが恥ずかしい。
I am too shy to speak to strangers.
好きだと言われて恥ずかしくなった。
I felt bashful when they told me they liked me.
こんな服で外に出るのは恥ずかしい。
I would feel self-conscious going outside in these clothes.
Is Hazukashii a Personality Word?
恥ずかしい normally describes a feeling or situation, not a permanent personality.
To describe someone who easily feels embarrassed or shy, use:
a shy or easily embarrassed person
恥ずかしがり (hazukashigari)
someone who is shy or easily embarrassed
照れ屋 (tereya)
a bashful person, especially around praise or affection
人見知り (hitomishiri)
shyness or discomfort around unfamiliar people
妹は恥ずかしがり屋で、人前ではあまり話さない。
Imōto wa hazukashigariya de, hitomae de wa amari hanasanai.
My younger sister is shy and does not speak much in front of people.
彼は照れ屋だから、褒めるとすぐ顔が赤くなる。
Kare wa tereya dakara, homeru to sugu kao ga akaku naru.
He is bashful, so he quickly turns red when praised.
For “I am shy,” say 私は恥ずかしがり屋です, 照れ屋です, or 人見知りです, depending on the type of shyness.
How to Pronounce Hazukashii
Hiragana: はずかしい
Katakana: ハズカシイ
Romaji: hazukashii
Mora: は・ず・か・し・い (5 morae)
Pronounce it in five even Japanese beats:
は ・ ず ・ か ・ し ・ い
The final しい (shii) is a long vowel sequence, so do not shorten the word to hazukashi.
Hazukashii in Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana
Kanji: 恥ずかしい
The standard spelling is 恥ずかしい. The kanji 恥 represents shame, disgrace, or the feeling of being ashamed.
Only the first part is normally written in kanji. The remaining ずかしい is okurigana.
Hiragana: はずかしい
The hiragana spelling はずかしい is completely correct and common in children’s writing, beginner material, casual messages, and soft visual design.
Katakana: ハズカシイ
ハズカシイ may be used in manga, advertising, social media, or stylized writing to emphasize the emotional reaction.
Hiragana: はずかしい
Stylistic emphasis: ハズカシイ
Older kana spelling: はづかしい
The Origin and Historical Meaning of Hazukashii
恥ずかしい is the modern form of the classical adjective はづかし. It is historically connected with 恥づ, the older form of the verb now written 恥じる—to feel shame.
恥づ / 恥じる
to feel shame; to shrink back because of shame
↓
はづかし
causing or involving a feeling of shame, self-consciousness, or hesitation
↓
恥ずかしい
embarrassed, ashamed, shy, bashful, or embarrassing
The classical word also had a meaning that sounds surprising today: so admirable, excellent, or dignified that the observer feels inferior or overawed.
For example, classical literature uses はづかし to praise someone whose character or appearance makes others feel hesitant or small by comparison.
A person may be so refined or excellent that you become self-conscious in front of them. In other words, they make you feel shy or inadequate by comparison.
That classical praise meaning is rare in ordinary modern conversation.
I feel embarrassed, ashamed, shy, or exposed.
Classical literary meaning
The other person is so admirable or excellent that I feel overawed or inferior.
What Type of Word Is Hazukashii?
恥ずかしい is an i-adjective.
恥ずかしい + noun
Before a verb:
恥ずかしく + verb
At the end of a sentence:
恥ずかしい / 恥ずかしいです
Connecting descriptions:
恥ずかしくて + result
1. 恥ずかしい + Noun
恥ずかしい失敗
hazukashii shippai
an embarrassing mistake
恥ずかしい話
hazukashii hanashi
an embarrassing or shameful story
恥ずかしい過去
hazukashii kako
an embarrassing past
To say “a person who looks embarrassed,” use 恥ずかしそうな人. To describe a shy personality, use 恥ずかしがり屋.
2. 恥ずかしく + Verb
恥ずかしくて顔を上げられない。
Hazukashikute kao o agerarenai.
I am too embarrassed to lift my head.
恥ずかしく笑った。
Hazukashiku waratta.
She smiled shyly.
In natural Japanese, 恥ずかしそうに is also common when describing visible behavior.
彼女は恥ずかしそうにうつむいた。
Kanojo wa hazukashisō ni utsumuita.
She looked down shyly.
3. 恥ずかしい / 恥ずかしいです
本当に恥ずかしい。
Hontō ni hazukashii.
This is so embarrassing.
少し恥ずかしいです。
Sukoshi hazukashii desu.
I’m a little embarrassed.
4. 恥ずかしくて + Result
恥ずかしくて何も言えなかった。
Hazukashikute nani mo ienakatta.
I was too embarrassed to say anything.
恥ずかしくて顔が赤くなった。
Hazukashikute kao ga akaku natta.
I became red in the face from embarrassment.
Useful Forms of Hazukashii
恥ずかしいです — polite form
恥ずかしくない — not embarrassed / not ashamed
恥ずかしかった — was embarrassed
恥ずかしくなかった — was not embarrassed
恥ずかしくて — being embarrassed, so…
恥ずかしさ — embarrassment / shame
恥ずかしそう — looks embarrassed
恥ずかしげ — with an embarrassed air
恥ずかしがる — to show embarrassment / act shy
恥ずかしがり屋 — a shy person
恥ずかしすぎる — too embarrassing
How to Say “I’m Embarrassed” in Japanese
Simple and Casual
恥ずかしい。
Hazukashii.
I’m embarrassed.
Polite
恥ずかしいです。
Hazukashii desu.
I’m embarrassed.
Strong Reaction
めっちゃ恥ずかしい！
Meccha hazukashii!
This is so embarrassing!
恥ずかしすぎる！
Hazukashisugiru!
This is too embarrassing!
恥ずかしい！ sounds more natural as an immediate reaction.
恥ずかしい vs 照れる: Embarrassed vs Bashful
照れる (tereru) is one of the closest related words.
A broad feeling caused by mistakes, shame, attention, exposure, praise, romance, or shyness
⇒ embarrassed / ashamed / shy
照れる (tereru)
A bashful reaction when one’s feelings or private side becomes visible, especially through praise, affection, teasing, or romance
⇒ feel bashful / become self-conscious
恥ずかしい states the uncomfortable self-conscious feeling.
照れる highlights the bashful reaction—smiling, looking away, or not knowing how to respond.
みんなに褒められて恥ずかしかった。
I felt embarrassed when everyone praised me.
⇒ Focus: my uncomfortable feeling under attention.
みんなに褒められて照れた。
I became bashful when everyone praised me.
⇒ Focus: my visible bashful reaction.
発表で言葉を間違えて恥ずかしかった。
I was embarrassed because I said the wrong word during my presentation.
⇒ 恥ずかしい is natural; there is a mistake.
好きな人にかわいいと言われて照れた。
I felt bashful when the person I like called me cute.
⇒ 照れる is especially natural with romantic praise.
Related article: What Does 照れる (Tereru) Mean?
恥ずかしい vs 恥じる: Feeling Embarrassed vs Feeling Shame
An adjective describing the feeling or the embarrassing/shameful situation
⇒ embarrassed / ashamed
恥じる (hajiru)
A verb emphasizing moral shame, dishonor, or judging one’s conduct negatively
⇒ be ashamed of / feel shame for
試験に落ちて恥ずかしかった。
Shiken ni ochite hazukashikatta.
I was embarrassed that I failed the exam.
自分の卑怯な行動を恥じている。
Jibun no hikyō na kōdō o hajite iru.
I am ashamed of my cowardly behavior.
恥ずかしい is broader and may describe anything from a tiny public mistake to deep shame.
Related article: What Does 恥じる (Hajiru) Mean?
恥ずかしい vs 気まずい: Embarrassed vs Awkward
Focus: my self-conscious feeling or loss of face
気まずい (kimazui)
Focus: the uncomfortable atmosphere or relationship between people
⇒ awkward / uncomfortable
I was embarrassed because I called the person by the wrong name.
⇒ Focus: how I felt about my mistake.
その後の沈黙が気まずかった。
The silence afterward was awkward.
⇒ Focus: the uncomfortable atmosphere between us.
Related article: What Does 気まずい (Kimazui) Mean?
恥ずかしい vs みっともない: Feeling Shame vs Looking Disgraceful
describes the feeling or an embarrassing/shameful thing
みっともない
judges appearance or behavior as undignified, disgraceful, or embarrassing to witness
⇒ shameful-looking / pathetic / unseemly
人前で泣いてしまって恥ずかしかった。
Hitomae de naite shimatte hazukashikatta.
I was embarrassed that I cried in front of people.
負けたからといって人に当たるのはみっともない。
Maketa kara to itte hito ni ataru no wa mittomonai.
Taking your frustration out on people because you lost is disgraceful.
恥ずかしい can be a soft personal feeling. みっともない may criticize what someone is doing.
Related article: What Does みっともない Mean?
恥ずかしい vs 人見知り: Shy Feeling vs Shyness with Strangers
a feeling of embarrassment or self-consciousness in a particular situation
人見知り (hitomishiri)
difficulty relaxing or speaking around unfamiliar people
⇒ shy with strangers
大勢の前で話すのが恥ずかしい。
Ōzei no mae de hanasu no ga hazukashii.
I feel shy speaking in front of a large group.
私は人見知りなので、初対面の人とはあまり話せない。
Watashi wa hitomishiri na node, shotaimen no hito to wa amari hanasenai.
I am shy around strangers, so I cannot talk much with people I have just met.
Use 恥ずかしい for the feeling occurring in a specific situation.
One Situation, Five Different Expressions
Imagine that you confess your feelings to someone, and several friends unexpectedly hear you.
恥ずかしい。
I’m so embarrassed.
⇒ I feel exposed because everyone heard my private feelings.
照れる。
I feel bashful.
⇒ The romantic attention makes me smile, look away, or act awkwardly.
気まずい。
This is awkward.
⇒ The atmosphere among the people present is uncomfortable.
恥じる。
I feel ashamed.
⇒ Usually unnatural unless I judge the confession itself as morally or personally unworthy.
みっともない。
This looks disgraceful/pathetic.
⇒ A harsh judgment that the behavior lacks dignity.
Common Patterns with Hazukashii
1. ～のが恥ずかしい: “I Am Embarrassed to…”
to feel embarrassed or shy about doing something
人前で踊るのが恥ずかしい。
Hitomae de odoru no ga hazukashii.
I feel shy about dancing in front of people.
英語を話すのが恥ずかしい。
Eigo o hanasu no ga hazukashii.
I feel self-conscious speaking English.
2. ～て恥ずかしい: Embarrassed Because Something Happened
答えを間違えて恥ずかしい。
Kotae o machigaete hazukashii.
I’m embarrassed because I got the answer wrong.
こんな簡単なことも知らなくて恥ずかしい。
Konna kantan na koto mo shiranakute hazukashii.
I’m embarrassed that I did not know something this simple.
3. ～ほど恥ずかしい: Embarrassingly…
顔から火が出るほど恥ずかしかった。
Kao kara hi ga deru hodo hazukashikatta.
I was so embarrassed that I felt my face was on fire.
思い出すのも恥ずかしいほどの失敗だった。
Omoidasu no mo hazukashii hodo no shippai datta.
It was a mistake so embarrassing that I do not even want to remember it.
4. ～なんて恥ずかしい: “How Embarrassing That…”
自分の名前を間違えるなんて恥ずかしい。
Jibun no namae o machigaeru nante hazukashii.
How embarrassing to get my own name wrong.
5. 恥ずかしくて～できない: Too Embarrassed to…
恥ずかしくて目を合わせられない。
Hazukashikute me o awaserarenai.
I am too embarrassed to make eye contact.
恥ずかしくて告白できなかった。
Hazukashikute kokuhaku dekinakatta.
I was too shy to confess my feelings.
How to Say “Don’t Be Embarrassed” in Japanese
Don’t be shy / embarrassed.
恥ずかしがらなくていいよ。
You don’t need to feel embarrassed.
気にしなくていいよ。
You don’t need to worry about it.
誰も気にしてないよ。
Nobody is paying attention to it.
大丈夫だよ。
It’s okay.
Japanese often uses ～がる when describing or addressing someone else’s visible emotion.
Hazukashigaru: Showing Embarrassment
恥ずかしがる means to act embarrassed, show shyness, or be reluctant because of embarrassment.
子どもが恥ずかしがって、挨拶をしなかった。
Kodomo ga hazukashigatte, aisatsu o shinakatta.
The child was shy and did not greet anyone.
彼女は写真を撮られるのを恥ずかしがった。
Kanojo wa shashin o torareru no o hazukashigatta.
She felt shy about having her photo taken.
Natural choices include:
彼は恥ずかしそうだ — He looks embarrassed.
彼は恥ずかしがっている — He is acting embarrassed / feeling shy.
Hazukashii in Romantic and Bashful Situations
恥ずかしい is common when affection, praise, or private feelings become visible.
好きな人と目が合うと恥ずかしい。
Suki na hito to me ga au to hazukashii.
I feel shy when I make eye contact with the person I like.
そんなことを言われたら恥ずかしいよ。
Sonna koto o iwaretara hazukashii yo.
I’ll get embarrassed if you say something like that.
手をつなぐのはまだ少し恥ずかしい。
Te o tsunagu no wa mada sukoshi hazukashii.
I am still a little shy about holding hands.
みんなの前で「好き」と言うのは恥ずかしい。
Minna no mae de “suki” to iu no wa hazukashii.
I feel embarrassed saying “I like you” in front of everyone.
Shame Expressions Related to Hazukashii
恥をさらす — to expose oneself to public shame
恥知らず — shameless person
恥じ入る — to be deeply ashamed
恥ずかしながら — embarrassing as it is to admit…
穴があったら入りたい — I wish the ground would swallow me
顔から火が出る — one’s face feels on fire from embarrassment
赤面する — to blush / become red-faced
黒歴史 — an embarrassing past one wants to erase
恥ずかしながら、その言葉の意味を知りませんでした。
Hazukashinagara, sono kotoba no imi o shirimasen deshita.
Embarrassing as it is to admit, I did not know the meaning of that word.
昔の写真を見ると、恥ずかしくて穴があったら入りたい。
Mukashi no shashin o miru to, hazukashikute ana ga attara hairitai.
When I see my old photos, I am so embarrassed that I wish I could disappear into a hole.
Casual and Slang Forms: Hazui and Kusahazu?
恥ずい (Hazui)
恥ずい is a casual shortened form of 恥ずかしい.
それ、ちょっと恥ずい。
Sore, chotto hazui.
That’s kind of embarrassing.
告白するの、恥ずくない？
Kokuhaku suru no, hazukunai?
Isn’t confessing kind of embarrassing?
小恥ずかしい (Kohazukashii)
小恥ずかしい means mildly, slightly, or rather embarrassingly self-conscious.
昔書いた文章を読むのは小恥ずかしい。
Mukashi kaita bunshō o yomu no wa kohazukashii.
Reading something I wrote long ago is a little embarrassing.
Natural Example Sentences with Hazukashii
人前で話すのは恥ずかしい。
Hitomae de hanasu no wa hazukashii.
I feel shy speaking in front of people.
みんなに笑われて恥ずかしかった。
Minna ni warawarete hazukashikatta.
I was embarrassed when everyone laughed at me.
名前を呼び間違えて、本当に恥ずかしかった。
Namae o yobimachigaete, hontō ni hazukashikatta.
I was really embarrassed because I called the person by the wrong name.
こんな簡単な漢字も読めなくて恥ずかしい。
Konna kantan na kanji mo yomenakute hazukashii.
I am embarrassed that I cannot read even this simple kanji.
昔の自分の態度を思い出すと恥ずかしい。
Mukashi no jibun no taido o omoidasu to hazukashii.
I feel ashamed when I remember how I behaved in the past.
彼の前では恥ずかしくてうまく話せない。
Kare no mae de wa hazukashikute umaku hanasenai.
I get too shy to speak properly in front of him.
そんなに見ないで。恥ずかしいよ。
Sonna ni minaide. Hazukashii yo.
Don’t look at me that much. It’s embarrassing.
褒められると恥ずかしくなる。
Homerareru to hazukashiku naru.
I get embarrassed when I am praised.
彼女は恥ずかしそうに笑った。
Kanojo wa hazukashisō ni waratta.
She smiled shyly.
子どもは恥ずかしがって母親の後ろに隠れた。
Kodomo wa hazukashigatte hahaoya no ushiro ni kakureta.
The child became shy and hid behind their mother.
失敗は恥ずかしいことではない。
Shippai wa hazukashii koto de wa nai.
Failure is nothing to be ashamed of.
助けを求めることを恥ずかしいと思わないで。
Tasuke o motomeru koto o hazukashii to omowanaide.
Do not feel ashamed of asking for help.
約束を守らなかったことが恥ずかしい。
Yakusoku o mamoranakatta koto ga hazukashii.
I am ashamed that I did not keep my promise.
その服は派手すぎて、着るのが少し恥ずかしい。
Sono fuku wa hade sugite, kiru no ga sukoshi hazukashii.
Those clothes are so flashy that I feel a little self-conscious wearing them.
写真を撮られるのは恥ずかしくないですか。
Shashin o torareru no wa hazukashikunai desu ka.
Don’t you feel shy about having your photo taken?
恥ずかしくて彼と目を合わせられなかった。
Hazukashikute kare to me o awaserarenakatta.
I was too embarrassed to make eye contact with him.
この話は少し恥ずかしいけど、聞いてほしい。
Kono hanashi wa sukoshi hazukashii kedo, kiite hoshii.
This story is a little embarrassing, but I want you to hear it.
恥ずかしながら、料理をほとんどしたことがありません。
Hazukashinagara, ryōri o hotondo shita koto ga arimasen.
Embarrassing as it is to admit, I have hardly ever cooked.
あの行動は社会人として恥ずかしい。
Ano kōdō wa shakaijin to shite hazukashii.
That behavior is shameful for a working adult.
緊張と恥ずかしさで顔が赤くなった。
Kinchō to hazukashisa de kao ga akaku natta.
My face became red from nervousness and embarrassment.
How Hazukashii Is Used in Anime and Manga
In anime and manga, 恥ずかしい is common in romantic comedy, school scenes, public mistakes, character backstories, and dramatic confessions.
bashfulness after praise, eye contact, hand-holding, or confession
人前での失敗
a mistake during class, a performance, or a public event
秘密の露見
a diary, drawing, hobby, or private feeling is discovered
過去の黒歴史
a character’s embarrassing past is revealed
道徳的な恥
a character recognizes cowardly or dishonorable behavior
Don’t look! This is embarrassing!
そんなこと言われたら、恥ずかしいよ。
I’ll get embarrassed if you say that.
昔のことを思い出させるな！ 恥ずかしいだろ！
Don’t remind me of the past! It’s embarrassing!
こんな自分が恥ずかしい。
I am ashamed of myself.
恥ずかしくて顔を見られない。
I’m too embarrassed to look you in the face.
The correct English subtitle may be “This is embarrassing,” “Don’t look at me,” or “I’m so self-conscious,” depending on the scene.
Common Beginner Mistakes with Hazukashii
Mistake 1: Translating It as “Ashamed” Every Time
I feel embarrassed/bashful when praised.
Not: I am morally ashamed.
嘘をついた自分が恥ずかしい。
I am ashamed of myself for lying.
Moral shame is present.
Mistake 2: Saying 恥ずかしい人 for “A Shy Person”
may mean an embarrassing or disgraceful person
○ 恥ずかしがり屋
a shy person
○ 照れ屋
a bashful person
○ 人見知り
someone shy around unfamiliar people
Mistake 3: Using 恥ずかしい for Every Awkward Situation
Use 気まずい when the main focus is an uncomfortable atmosphere between people.
Mistake 4: Confusing 恥ずかしい and 恥ずかしそう
I am embarrassed.
彼は恥ずかしそうだ。
He looks embarrassed.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Long Final Vowel
The correct romaji is hazukashii, not hazukashi. The ending is し・い.
Mistake 6: Assuming Shyness Is Always a Fixed Personality
A confident person can still feel 恥ずかしい in one particular situation. Use personality words such as 恥ずかしがり屋 only for a recurring tendency.
FAQ About Hazukashii
What does hazukashii mean in Japanese?
Hazukashii (恥ずかしい) means embarrassed, ashamed, shy, bashful, self-conscious, or embarrassing. The best translation depends on why the person wants to hide or avoid attention.
How do you say “I’m embarrassed” in Japanese?
You can simply say 恥ずかしい casually or 恥ずかしいです politely.
Does hazukashii mean ashamed or embarrassed?
It can mean both. A public mistake usually produces “embarrassed,” while regret over bad behavior may be translated as “ashamed.”
Can hazukashii mean shy?
Yes, when someone feels self-conscious about being watched, speaking in public, meeting people, or revealing feelings. For a permanent shy personality, use 恥ずかしがり屋, 照れ屋, or 人見知り.
How do you write hazukashii in Japanese?
It is normally written 恥ずかしい in kanji and kana or はずかしい entirely in hiragana.
How do you pronounce hazukashii?
Pronounce it in five morae: ha-zu-ka-shi-i — は・ず・か・し・い. The final ii is a long vowel.
Is hazukashii an i-adjective?
Yes. It directly modifies nouns, as in 恥ずかしい失敗, and changes to 恥ずかしく before a verb or result.
What is the difference between hazukashii and tereru?
恥ずかしい is broad and covers mistakes, shame, unwanted attention, and shyness. 照れる focuses on a bashful reaction, especially after praise, affection, or teasing.
What is the difference between hazukashii and kimazui?
恥ずかしい focuses on the speaker’s self-conscious feeling. 気まずい focuses on an awkward atmosphere or strained relationship.
What is hazukashigariya?
恥ずかしがり屋 means a shy or easily embarrassed person.
What is the casual form of hazukashii?
恥ずい (hazui) is a slangy shortened form. It is common in casual speech but should not replace the standard word in formal situations.
What is the noun form of hazukashii?
恥ずかしさ (hazukashisa) means embarrassment, shame, or the degree of feeling embarrassed.
What is the opposite of hazukashii?
Depending on context, possible opposites include 堂々としている (confident and unashamed), 平気 (unbothered), and 誇らしい (proud).
Can hazukashii be romantic?
The word itself is not romantic, but it is often used in romantic situations involving praise, confession, eye contact, or physical closeness.
Is hazukashii only a negative feeling?
No. It may describe pleasant bashfulness after praise or affection as well as painful embarrassment or moral shame.
Summary: The Meaning and Usage of Hazukashii
恥ずかしい means embarrassed, ashamed, shy, bashful, self-conscious, or embarrassing.
● Core image
Becoming strongly aware of how you appear to others—or how you fail to match your own ideal—and wanting to hide from that gaze.
● Main uses
Public mistake ⇒ embarrassed
Bad behavior ⇒ ashamed
Attention or praise ⇒ bashful / self-conscious
Speaking or performing publicly ⇒ shy
● Grammar
恥ずかしい失敗 — an embarrassing mistake
話すのが恥ずかしい — feel shy about speaking
恥ずかしくて言えない — too embarrassed to say it
恥ずかしそう — looks embarrassed
● Writing
Kanji: 恥ずかしい
Hiragana: はずかしい
Katakana: ハズカシイ
Romaji: hazukashii
● Related words
照れる — react bashfully to praise or affection
恥じる — feel moral shame
気まずい — feel an awkward atmosphere
みっともない — look disgraceful or undignified
人見知り — be shy around strangers
Ask why the speaker wants to hide:
a mistake, moral regret, unwanted attention, shyness, or exposed affection?
Once you identify the cause, the natural English translation becomes much clearer.
References
- Kotobank: 恥ずかしい — modern meanings, classical meaning, examples, and related forms.
- goo Dictionary: 恥ずかしい — embarrassed, self-conscious, and classical “admirable” meanings.
- Kotobank Japanese–English Dictionary: 恥ずかしい — English distinctions including shy, embarrassed, ashamed, and disgraceful.
- Kotobank: 照れる — bashful reaction and visible embarrassment.
- Kotobank: 恥じる — moral shame, dishonor, and feeling ashamed.
- Kotobank: 恥ずい — casual shortened form of 恥ずかしい.
- Kotobank: 恥ずかしがり屋 — a shy or bashful person.
- Kotobank: 物恥 — historical examples of feeling vaguely embarrassed or self-conscious.