Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ashamed" in Korean
“Ashamed” in Korean is 부끄럽다 (pronounced "Bukkeureupda").
부끄럽다
Bukkeureupda
Usage & Context
Describes shame linked to moral or ethical shortcomings. In Korea's face-saving (체면) culture, this emotion carries significant weight. Different from 창피하다 (social embarrassment) — 부끄럽다 is more internal and moral.
Example Sentence
그런 행동을 한 것이 너무 부끄러워요.
I'm so ashamed of having acted that way.
How to use 부끄럽다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ashamed” is 부끄럽다, romanized as Bukkeureupda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 부끄럽다.
Pronunciation Guide
부끄럽다 (Bukkeureupda) is pronounced "Boo-ggeu-reop-da." "Boo" is like 'book'. "Ggeu" is a tense 'k' sound followed by 'uh' (like 'uh' in 'but'). "Reop" is like 'reup' in 'rupiah' with a soft 'p' at the end. The 'ㅂ' changes to '우' when conjugated. "Da" is like 'dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
부끄러워요 / 부끄럽습니다
Bukkeureowoyo / Bukkeureopseumnida
Standard polite forms for adjectives. Note the ㅂ irregular conjugation.
Casual (반말)
부끄러워
Bukkeureowo
Casual form for adjectives. Note the ㅂ irregular conjugation.
More Example Sentences
Reflecting on past actions with regret.
어릴 때 했던 실수가 아직도 부끄러워요.
I'm still ashamed of the mistake I made when I was young.
Feeling moral regret for one's actions.
다른 사람에게 피해를 준 것이 너무 부끄러웠다.
I was so ashamed that I caused harm to others.
Feeling shy or modest when praised, a common cultural nuance.
칭찬을 받으면 왠지 모르게 부끄러워져요.
When I receive compliments, I somehow feel shy/ashamed.
Cultural Context
부끄럽다 refers to a deeper, internal sense of shame, often related to moral or ethical shortcomings, or a feeling of inadequacy. It's distinct from '창피하다' (changpihada), which is more about social embarrassment or losing face in public. In Korea's '체면 (chaemyeon)' (face-saving) culture, '부끄럽다' carries significant weight, as one's actions reflect not only on oneself but also on family and community. It can also be used to express shyness or modesty, especially when receiving praise, which is a common cultural trait.
Editorial note
We review entries like 부끄럽다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
부끄러운 줄 알다
To know how to be ashamed (i.e., to have a conscience)
얼굴이 부끄럽다
To be ashamed (literally, "face is ashamed")
부끄러워서 숨고 싶다
So ashamed I want to hide
Related Expressions
창피하다
Changpihada
To be embarrassed (socially)
민망하다
Minmanghada
To be awkward, embarrassed (often due to an uncomfortable situation)
수치스럽다
Suchiseureopda
To be disgraceful, shameful (stronger, more severe shame)
쑥스럽다
Ssuksseureopda
To be shy, bashful (often in a cute or endearing way)
More Emotions Words
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