I'm embarrassed
A very common, slightly softer way to say you're embarrassed or shy. Literally 'It gives me shame/embarrassment.'
An exclamation meaning 'How embarrassing!' or 'What a shame!'. Use it to react to an embarrassing situation.
Similar to 'Me da pena' but a bit more direct. It clearly states something is causing you to feel shame or embarrassment.
I spilled my coffee. I'm so embarrassed! (Note: 'avergonzada' is used for a female speaker).
I don't like to speak in public, I get very embarrassed/shy.
I forgot his name. How embarrassing!
I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't know the answer.
The most dangerous false friend for English speakers is 'embarazada', which means 'pregnant', NOT 'embarrassed'. Never say 'Estoy embarazado'.
'Me da pena' is extremely common, often used to mean both 'I'm embarrassed' and 'I'm shy'.
Be careful! 'Qué pena' is frequently used to mean 'I'm sorry' or 'Excuse me', not 'How embarrassing'. To express embarrassment, Colombians might say 'Qué oso' (slang, literally 'What a bear!').
'Me da vergüenza' is much more common than 'Me da pena'. In Spain, 'pena' more often means 'pity' or 'sadness'.
A common slang expression is 'Qué plancha', which means 'How embarrassing'.
WRONG: 'Estoy embarazado.' — This is the most famous mistake in Spanish. 'Embarazado/a' means 'pregnant'. The correct phrase is 'Estoy avergonzado/a' (I'm embarrassed) or 'Me da pena/vergüenza' (It embarrasses me).
WRONG: Using 'pena' in Spain to mean embarrassment. — Saying 'Me da pena' in Spain will likely be understood as 'It makes me sad' or 'I feel sorry for it'. Use 'Me da vergüenza' instead to be clear you feel embarrassed.
WRONG: 'Soy avergonzado.' — Use the verb 'estar' (estoy) for temporary feelings like embarrassment, not 'ser' (soy). 'Estoy avergonzado' means 'I am embarrassed right now'. 'Soy avergonzado' would imply it's a core part of your identity, which sounds unnatural.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
how to say i feel sick in spanish
phrase