부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda)
"Embarrassed / shy / ashamed" — covers both bashful blushing and serious shame depending on context.
- Meaning: "Embarrassed / shy / ashamed" — covers both bashful blushing and serious shame depending on context.
- Pronunciation: /pu.k͈ɯ.ɾʌp̚.t͈a/ (bukkeureopda)
- Part of speech: adjective
- Formality: Neutral — works in most everyday settings.
- Literal: is embarrassed / is shy / is ashamed
What does 부끄럽다 mean?
부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) means "embarrassed," "shy," or "ashamed" — one adjective spanning a bashful blush all the way to serious shame. It conjugates to casual 부끄러워 (bukkeureowo) and polite 부끄러워요 (bukkeureowoyo); context decides whether it is the cute shyness of a compliment or genuine shame over an action.
부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) means "embarrassed / shy / ashamed" and uniquely covers a wide emotional range. Casual 부끄러워 (bukkeureowo), polite 부끄러워요 (bukkeureowoyo). On the lighter end, 부끄럽다 is the bashful blush of receiving a compliment or being center of attention — common in K-pop variety shows. On the heavier end, it's the shame of having done something wrong. Distinguish from 창피하다 (changpihada, "embarrassed by exposure / loss of face") which leans social/public, and 쪽팔리다 (jjokpallida, slang "mortified"). 부끄럽다 is what K-drama leads say when complimented; 창피하다 is what they say when caught in an awkward situation publicly.
Examples in context
By politeness level (반말 / 해요체 / plain)
One adjective in three registers; 부끄럽다 is the plain/exclamatory form.
Bashful / shy (lighter end)
The blush of being looked at or singled out.
Polite humility (receiving praise)
Deflecting a compliment — "you're too kind."
Real shame (heavier end)
Genuine self-reproach over an action.
Comforting & collocations (verb 부끄러워하다)
To tell someone not to be shy, Korean uses the verb 부끄러워하다.
부끄럽다in K-pop & K-drama
Idol bashfulness on variety shows
부끄러워! is the reaction K-pop idols give on variety shows when complimented or made to perform aegyo — covering their face and blushing. This bashful charm is a core part of idol appeal and a staple of fan-clip content.
Modesty as politeness
In Korean etiquette, answering a compliment with 부끄럽다 ("you're too kind / I'm embarrassed") signals modesty, not literal shame. Deflecting praise rather than accepting it outright is the polite default.
When to use 부끄럽다
- Bashful reactions — being praised, complimented, sung to
- Mild embarrassment — being center of attention
- Polite humility ("I'm honored / humbled")
- Ashamed of one's own actions
When NOT to use 부끄럽다
- Public mortification / loss of face — use 창피하다 (changpihada)
- Strong slang mortification — use 쪽팔리다 (jjokpallida)
- Anger or frustration — different word: 화나다
부끄럽다 vs. similar terms
부끄럽다 vs neighboring embarrassment words
| Term | English | Source of the feeling | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) | embarrassed / shy / ashamed | inner — bashful or self-reproach | neutral, everyday |
| 창피하다 (changpihada) | embarrassed (loss of face) | external — others witnessed it | casual, common |
| 쪽팔리다 (jjokpallida) | mortified | strong public embarrassment | rough slang |
| 수줍다 (sujupda) | shy / bashful | gentle timidity (personality) | soft, literary-ish |
Related terms
More in Emotions & states
Foundational emotion adjectives — sad, happy, angry, scared, embarrassed.
"Sad" or "to be sad" — Korean's standard adjective for sadness, sorrow, or melancholy.
"Happy / glad" — Korean's standard adjective for the feeling of joy, often paired with specific events.
"To be angry / to get angry" — Korean's standard expression for anger.
"Scary" or "scared" — Korean's versatile adjective for fear, used both for things that frighten and people who are frightened.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "embarrassed" or "shy" in Korean?
부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) is the standard word. Casual 부끄러워 (bukkeureowo), polite 부끄러워요 (bukkeureowoyo). It covers both bashful shyness and deeper shame — context decides which. For public mortification, Koreans say 창피하다 (changpihada).
What is the difference between 부끄럽다 and 창피하다?
부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) is internal embarrassment — bashful, humbled, or ashamed of one's own actions. 창피하다 (changpihada) is external — embarrassed because OTHERS witnessed something awkward. A blush from praise is 부끄럽다; tripping in public is 창피하다.
Why do K-pop idols say 부끄럽다 when complimented?
Because Korean politeness culture frames receiving praise as humbling. Saying 부끄럽다 ("I'm embarrassed") in response to a compliment is the polite way to say "you're too kind / I don't deserve this praise." It signals modesty rather than literal shame.
How do you say "I'm shy" in Korean?
부끄러워 (bukkeureowo, casual) or 부끄러워요 (polite) covers "I'm shy / embarrassed." For a shy personality specifically, Koreans say 수줍음이 많아 (sujubeumi manha) or 부끄럼이 많아 (bukkeureomi manha, "I'm very shy"). 부끄럼 타 (bukkeureom ta, "to be shy") is a common casual phrase.
What is the difference between 부끄럽다 and 쑥스럽다?
They overlap. 부끄럽다 (bukkeureopda) ranges from shy to ashamed. 쑥스럽다 (ssukseureopda) is narrower — the sheepish, awkward bashfulness of getting a compliment or doing aegyo. 쑥스럽다 has no "shame" sense; it is purely the cute, awkward kind of embarrassment.
How is 부끄럽다 pronounced?
부끄럽다 is pronounced [pu.k͈ɯ.ɾʌp̚.t͈a] — "boo-kkeu-luh-pda." The middle has a tense doubled K. The R is a soft tap. The final syllable has a tense doubled D. Four syllables — one of the longer foundational adjectives.
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.