Level 5

부끄러워하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '부끄러워하다' means 'to feel shy' or 'to be embarrassed.' It is used to describe a person's emotional reaction when they feel self-conscious or bashful, often in social situations.

Common Contexts

This verb is frequently used when talking about children or people who feel shy in front of others, such as strangers or when receiving compliments. It often implies a gentle, non-serious embarrassment rather than deep shame.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 부끄러워하다 + (사람/상황): to feel shy about a person or situation
  • 부끄러워하지 마세요: a polite way to tell someone not to be shy or embarrassed
  • 칭찬을 받으면 부끄러워하다: to feel shy when receiving compliments

Register and Politeness

'부끄러워하다' is a standard verb used in everyday conversation and is polite when conjugated appropriately. It is not formal or honorific by itself but can be used in polite speech.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '부끄러워하다' with '부끄럽다.' The difference is that '부끄럽다' is an adjective meaning 'to be shy/embarrassed,' while '부끄러워하다' is the verb form meaning 'to feel shy/embarrassed.' Use '부끄러워하다' when describing someone else's feelings or actions.

Example Sentences

그는 칭찬을 받으면 항상 부끄러워한다.

Geuneun chingchaneul bad-eumyeon hangsang bukkeureowohanda.

He always feels shy when he receives compliments.

아이들은 낯선 사람 앞에서 부끄러워하는 경우가 많다.

Aideul-eun nasseon saram apeseo bukkeureowohaneun gyeonguga manhda.

Children often feel shy in front of strangers.

그녀는 발표할 때 부끄러워하지 말고 자신 있게 말해 보세요.

Geunyeoneun balpyohal ttae bukkeureowohaji malgo jasin itge malhae boseyo.

When she gives a presentation, she should not be shy and speak confidently.