How to say "embarrassment" in Japanese

• 恥はじJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers embarrassment in the sense of shame or disgrace felt before others. The nuance is moral or social: being exposed, humiliated, or losing face. Typical when you feel embarrassed about something you did.
  このようなスラム街がいは市しの恥はじだ。↗

  These slums are a disgrace to the city.
• 困惑こんわくCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers embarrassment as bewilderment—being at a loss, thrown off balance and unable to respond smoothly. Typical when an unexpected request, question, or situation leaves you flustered rather than ashamed.
  その日ひ彼かれは困惑こんわくした。↗

  He was bewildered on that day.
• 当惑とうわくCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbAlso embarrassment as confusion or perplexity, very close to 困惑. The nuance centers on puzzlement: you do not understand what is happening or how to react, as when a remark catches you off guard.
  その問題もんだいは大衆たいしゅうを当惑とうわくさせた。↗

  The problem puzzled the public.
• 赤面せきめんCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbRefers specifically to blushing, the visible reddening of the face from embarrassment or shyness. It is really the physical act itself, so it is seldom the word you want for embarrassment as a feeling or state.
  君きみの行おこないには赤面せきめんする。↗

  I am ashamed of your conduct.

Use 恥 for shame or disgrace felt before others, 困惑 and 当惑 for the bewilderment of not knowing how to react, and 赤面 for the physical act of blushing from embarrassment.

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

• 恥はじshame
• 困惑こんわくbewilderment
• 当惑とうわくbewilderment
• とぎまぎconfusion
• はにかみbashfulness
• 赤面せきめんembarrassment
• 恥部ちぶdisgraceful thing