How to say "embarrassed" in Japanese

• 恥ずかしいはずかしいJLPT N4approx.Common
  i-adjectiveThe broad, all-purpose choice: it covers feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, being ashamed or humiliated over something you did, and describing situations as embarrassing. When in doubt, this is the safe default.
  彼かれらははずかしくてうなだれた。↗

  They hung their heads in shame.
• きまり悪いきまりわるいJLPT N1approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers the embarrassed sense with a nuance of awkwardness: the sheepish, ill-at-ease feeling of an uncomfortable social moment, as after being teased or caught in a slip. It suggests mild shame, not deep humiliation.

Use 「恥ずかしい」 as the all-purpose word for feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or for embarrassing situations; choose 「きまり悪い」 when the emphasis is on the awkward, sheepish discomfort of a specific social moment.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 恥ずかしいはずかしいembarrassing
• きまり悪いきまりわるいembarrassed
• 気恥ずかしいきはずかしいembarrassed
• 面映いおもはゆいembarrassed
• きまりが悪いきまりがわるいembarrassed
• 恥ずかしげはずかしげembarrassed
• 間が悪いまがわるいawkward
• どぎまぎflurried
• どきまぎflurried
• こそばゆいembarrassed
• 晴れがましいはれがましい(feeling) awkward