Short answer
“embarrassed” in Spanish is avergonzado
How to say embarrassed in Spanish?
If you want to know how to say embarrassed in Spanish, the standard answer is 'avergonzado' (masculine) or 'avergonzada' (feminine), pronounced ah-vehr-gon-SAH-do / ah-vehr-gon-SAH-dah. This adjective describes the feeling of shame after an awkward or humiliating moment. In Latin America you will also hear 'apenado', while 'cohibido' is closer to 'self-conscious' or 'shy' for everyday situations. For actions that make you feel embarrassed, Spanish speakers usually use the verb construction 'me da vergüenza' (it gives me shame), as in 'Me da vergüenza cantar' (I am embarrassed to sing).
Common pairings
estar avergonzadosentirse avergonzadoponerse avergonzadoavergonzado de algomuy avergonzadome da vergüenza + (verb)
How to use it
- Use 'avergonzado' after 'estar' (not 'ser') because embarrassment is a temporary state: 'Estoy avergonzado por mi error.'
- For actions that cause the embarrassment, the natural pattern is 'me da vergüenza + [action]': 'Me da vergüenza pedir ayuda.'
- 'Apenado' is the everyday word for embarrassed in much of Latin America; in Spain, 'avergonzado' or 'abochornado' are more common.
- 'Cohibido' describes a shy, self-conscious feeling rather than a single embarrassing event.
- 'Muerto de vergüenza' is a colloquial, emphatic way to say 'mortified' or 'extremely embarrassed.'
Examples
Estoy avergonzado por lo que dije en la reunión.
I am embarrassed by what I said in the meeting.
Use 'estar' + 'avergonzado' to describe a temporary state of embarrassment; 'ser' would imply it is part of your personality.
Se puso apenado cuando todos lo miraron.
He got embarrassed when everyone stared at him.
'Apenado' is very common in Latin American Spanish for 'embarrassed'; 'ponerse' means to become or get.
Me da vergüenza hablar en público.
I am embarrassed to speak in public.
With actions, Spanish prefers 'me da vergüenza' (literally 'it gives me shame') instead of the adjective.
Quedé muerto de vergüenza cuando se me cayó el plato.
I was mortified when I dropped the plate.
'Muerto de vergüenza' (dead from shame) is a colorful, emphatic way to say 'mortified'.
No te sientas cohibido enfrente de la cámara.
Don't feel self-conscious in front of the camera.
'Cohibido' is closer to 'self-conscious' or 'shy' than to a single embarrassing event.
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Estoy |
Estoy avergonzado por mi error. | 'Embarazada' is a false friend: it means 'pregnant', not 'embarrassed'. Use 'avergonzado' or 'apenado'. |
| Estoy avergonzado de mi error. | Use 'estar' for temporary emotional states; 'ser' would mean you are permanently an embarrassed type of person. |
| Unnatural | Natural | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Me da pena hablar en público. | Spanish usually makes the action the subject with 'dar pena/vergüenza' instead of combining an adjective with 'de'. The 'de' construction sounds unnatural here. |
FAQ
- How to say embarrassed in SpanishUse 'avergonzado' (or 'avergonzada' for women) as the standard adjective. For example: 'Estoy avergonzado por mi error' means 'I am embarrassed by my mistake.'
- What is the difference between 'avergonzado' and 'apenado'?Both mean 'embarrassed', but 'apenado' is more common in Latin American Spanish and can also mean 'sad' or 'sorry' in some contexts. 'Avergonzado' is understood everywhere.
- How do you say 'I am embarrassed' in Spanish?You can say 'Estoy avergonzado', or more naturally with actions, 'Me da vergüenza'. Example: 'Me da vergüenza cantar delante de la gente' (I am embarrassed to sing in front of people).
- Does 'estoy embarazado' mean 'I am embarrassed'?No. 'Embarazada' means 'pregnant', so 'estoy embarazado' would sound like you are saying 'I am pregnant' (and in a masculine form that is odd). Say 'estoy avergonzado' instead.