부끄럽다
"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 / 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
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
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 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.