Korean Dictionary
How to say "Embarrassed" in Korean
“Embarrassed” in Korean is 창피하다 (pronounced "Changpihada").
창피하다
Changpihada
Usage & Context
Describes social embarrassment, especially in public settings. In Korean culture, where face-saving (체면) is important, this emotion carries significant social weight. Related to but slightly different from 부끄럽다, which is more about shyness.
Example Sentence
실수를 해서 너무 창피했어요.
I was so embarrassed after making that mistake.
How to use 창피하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Embarrassed” is 창피하다, romanized as Changpihada.
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 창피하다.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'chang-pee-ha-da' — 'chang' rhymes with 'chung,' 'pi' sounds like 'pee,' and 'hada' ends softly. Keep all syllables crisp and quick.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
창피합니다
changpi-hamnida
Formal form, rarely used in casual settings
Casual (반말)
창피해
changpihae
Casual form, extremely common when venting to friends
More Example Sentences
recounting an awkward fall
사람들 앞에서 넘어져서 너무 창피했어요.
I was so embarrassed because I fell in front of people.
cringing at childhood photos
옛날 사진 보면 창피해요.
I get embarrassed when I look at old photos.
after a social gaffe
말을 잘못해서 창피해 죽겠어요.
I misspoke and I'm dying of embarrassment.
Cultural Context
창피하다 captures the cringey, face-hot, 'I want to disappear' kind of embarrassment. It's distinct from 부끄럽다 (to be shy / bashful), which is gentler and often used for cute blushing. Koreans are very attuned to social embarrassment — 창피해! is a frequent exclamation, often followed by covering one's face.
Editorial note
We review entries like 창피하다 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
너무 창피해요.
I'm so embarrassed.
창피해 죽겠어요.
I'm dying of embarrassment.
창피한 순간
An embarrassing moment
Related Expressions
부끄럽다
bukkeureopda
to be shy / bashful
민망하다
minmanghada
to be awkward / second-hand embarrassed
쪽팔리다
jjokpallida
to be embarrassed (slangy)
수치심
suchisim
shame (noun)
More Emotions Words
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