Spanish Conversation · Level 20
90 words
Spanish word
vergonzoso
Pronunciation
IPA/beɾɣonˈθoso/
Meaning
- adjectiveembarrassing
Example
Fue una situación vergonzosa.
It was an embarrassing situation.
More examples
Fue vergonzoso cuando olvidó su línea en el teatro.
It was embarrassing when he forgot his line in the theater.
Core concept
An accidental reveal of a private secret followed by awkward silence.
Common phrases
ser vergonzoso
be embarrassing
un gesto vergonzoso
embarrassing gesture
Similar words
avergonzado: Feeling ashamed and visibly affected in facial expression or body language.
tímido: Shy disposition that avoids eye contact, crowds, or speaking up.
incómodo: Discomfort that makes a person fidget or withdraw from conversation.
bochornoso: A deeply humiliating incident that upsets the group's mood.
Definition in Spanish
Que causa vergüenza personal y hace sentir a alguien incómodo o apenado.
Word origin
It combines the noun vergüenza 'shame' with the suffix -oso, yielding an adjective that denotes being full of shame or causing embarrassment.
Usage tips
- Calling a person vergonzoso often sounds accusatory, so Spanish speakers more often apply it to actions or situations than to politely describe someone's feelings.
Other meanings
- shyadjective
- disgracefuladjective
Opposites
- honorablehonorableadjective
- desvergonzadoshamelessadjective
Related words
- avergonzarembarrassverb
- avergonzamientoembarrassmentnoun