Adjective
/βeɾɣonˈθoso/ (in Spain) or /βeɾɡonˈso/ (in Latin America)
The word "vergonzoso" is an adjective used in Spanish to describe something that causes shame or embarrassment. It can refer to actions, behaviors, situations, or even people perceived as dishonorable or disgraceful.
In terms of frequency, "vergonzoso" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, appearing in everyday conversations, media, literature, and social commentary. The word often conveys strong negative feelings and is used to highlight moral failures or social faux pas.
La actitud de Juan en la fiesta fue muy vergonzosa.
Juan's behavior at the party was very embarrassing.
Es vergonzoso que todavía haya personas que discriminan a los demás.
It's shameful that there are still people who discriminate against others.
Hicieron un vergonzoso espectáculo en medio del evento.
They put on an embarrassing show in the middle of the event.
"Vergonzoso" is used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish to convey feelings of embarrassment or shame. Below are some examples:
Él es un vergonzoso, siempre se esconde cuando comete errores.
He is such a shameful person; he always hides when he makes mistakes.
Sentir vergonzoso
Sentí vergonzoso por no haber ayudado a mis amigos en ese momento importante.
I felt shameful for not having helped my friends in that important moment.
Vergonzoso espectáculo
Lo que vimos en el debate fue un vergonzoso espectáculo.
What we saw in the debate was a shameful spectacle.
Estar en una situación vergonzosa
Quedé en una situación vergonzosa al olvidar el nombre de mi jefe.
I was in an embarrassing situation when I forgot my boss’s name.
Guardar las apariencias vergonzosas
The word "vergonzoso" is derived from "vergüenza," which means "shame" or "embarrassment," combined with the suffix "-oso," which indicates a tendency or propensity towards something. The roots can be traced back to the Latin word verentia, from vereri, meaning "to fear" or "to respect," highlighting the emotional response associated with shame.