恥ずかしい vs. 照れる: Easily Improve Your Japanese
What is the difference between “恥ずかしい and 照れる”? Which has a negative meaning? After reading this, you would be answering this question. Let me introduce what their subtle differences are and how you correctly use them such as native speakers today!
恥ずかしい (hazukashii)
Embarrass / 羞耻 / 부끄럽다 / Xấu hổ
“恥ずかしい” means “Embarrass” and which has been used as the meaning of “to cause someone to feel awkward, worried, or uncomfortable”. The basic way to use it is “私は恥ずかしいです。(I’m embarrassed.)” or ___するのは/が恥ずかしいです(It’s embarrassing to ___)”, etc. For instance, “すごく恥ずかしい。(I’m so embarrassed.)”, “おならをするのは恥ずかしいです。(It’s embarrassing to fart.)”, etc. The tip for using it is “恥” means “shame”, so basically “恥ずかしい” has a negative meaning. When you made a mistake or something, you would be able to use it. It’s not only you but your family or your friends who made a mistake as well.




照れる (tereru)
Feel flattered / 害羞 / 쑥스럽다 / Nhút nhát
“照れる” means “Feel flattered” and which has been used as the meaning of “to feel very pleased and proud because someone has said good things about you or has made you feel important”. The basic way to use it is “私は照れます。(I’m flattered.)”. For instance, “すごく照れる。(I’m so flattered.)”, etc. The tips for using it are that basically when someone is flattering you, you would be able to use “照れる”. Although “恥ずかしい” is used as the same meaning of “照れる”, “照れる” is not used as the same meaning of “恥ずかしい”. For instance, when your teacher flattering you, you would be able to use both “照れる” and “恥ずかしい” as the meaning of “You are flattering me.”. However, when you forgot something, you would be able to use only “恥ずかしい”, not “照れる”.


Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced



![]() |
![]() |