Korean Dictionary
How to say "Shame" in Korean
“Shame” in Korean is 수치심 (pronounced "suchisim").
수치심
suchisim
Usage & Context
Shame is a painful emotion arising from perceived failure or inadequacy. Korean collectivist culture can amplify 수치심, making it a significant barrier to seeking mental health help.
Example Sentence
수치심은 도움을 구하는 것을 망설이게 만든다.
Shame makes one hesitate to seek help.
How to use 수치심 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Shame” is 수치심, romanized as suchisim.
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 수치심.
Pronunciation Guide
수 (su) sounds like 'soo' in 'soon'. 치 (chi) sounds like 'chee' in 'cheese'. 심 (sim) sounds like 'shim' in 'shimmy'. Put it together as 'soo-chee-shim', with distinct and even syllables.
More Example Sentences
Describing someone's internal reaction to an error.
그는 자신의 실수에 대한 수치심을 느꼈다.
He felt shame about his mistake.
Explaining why someone kept a secret.
수치심 때문에 아무에게도 말할 수 없었어요.
Because of shame, I couldn't tell anyone.
A motivational message or advice.
실패는 수치심이 아니라 배움의 기회다.
Failure is not shame, but an opportunity to learn.
Cultural Context
수치심 (suchisim) is a particularly potent emotion in Korea's collectivist society, where individual actions often reflect on the family or group. The concept of '체면' (chaemyeon), or 'face', is closely linked; losing face can induce deep 수치심. This can make it challenging for individuals to admit to struggles or seek help, especially for mental health issues, as it might be perceived as bringing shame upon oneself or one's family.
Editorial note
We review entries like 수치심 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
수치심을 느끼다.
To feel shame.
수치심을 주다.
To bring shame (to someone).
수치심을 극복하다.
To overcome shame.
Related Expressions
창피함
changpiham
embarrassment, feeling ashamed (less severe)
굴욕감
gullyokgam
humiliation, feeling of disgrace
죄책감
joechaekgam
guilt (about actions, distinct from shame about self)
자부심
jabusim
pride, self-esteem (antonym)
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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