Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or shy: Describes a state of mild shame, self-consciousness, or awkwardness, often due to a social misstep, being the center of attention, or a perceived inadequacy. It implies a feeling of discomfort that makes one want to hide or avoid the situation.
   • Clumsy, awkward (in movement): Describes a physical lack of coordination or grace, often due to inexperience, injury, or unfamiliarity with an action.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Feeling ashamed/embarrassed):

  • Cô ấy cảm thấy rất ngượng khi bị chỉ ra lỗi sai trước đám đông. (She felt very ashamed/embarrassed when her mistake was pointed out in front of the crowd.)
  • Tôi hơi ngượng khi phải nhờ vả người khác. (I feel a bit awkward/embarrassed having to ask others for help.)
  • Anh ấy ngượng chín cả mặt khi nhận được lời khen. (He blushed crimson with embarrassment when he received the compliment.)

• Adjective (Clumsy in movement):

  • Sau chấn thương, chân tôi vẫn còn hơi ngượng. (After the injury, my leg still feels a bit clumsy/awkward.)
  • Đứa trẻ mới tập đi, bước chân còn ngượng. (The child is just learning to walk, so its steps are still awkward.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngượng ngùng": A reduplicated form that intensifies or slightly softens the feeling of embarrassment or shyness. It often describes a coy or bashful demeanor.

  • Cô dâu trẻ ngượng ngùng cúi đầu. (The young bride bashfully lowered her head.)

• "Ngượng chín cả mặt / Ngượng đỏ mặt": Idiomatic expressions meaning "to blush crimson/red with embarrassment."

  • Nghe câu chuyện cười ấy, cô ấy ngượng đỏ mặt. (Hearing that joke, she blushed red with embarrassment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngượng ngập (adj): Synonymous with , meaning embarrassed, shy, or bashful.
• Xấu hổ (adj): A stronger synonym meaning deeply ashamed or mortified. is generally milder than .
• Bối rối (adj): Flustered, confused, disconcerted. Can overlap with in social situations but focuses more on confusion.
• Lúng túng (adj): Flustered, fumbling, at a loss (often in action or speech). Can be a result of feeling .

Synonyms

• Embarrassed: Feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable.
• Ashamed: A stronger feeling of guilt or disgrace.
• Awkward: Causing or feeling embarrassment or inconvenience; also, lacking grace or skill.
• Shy: Being nervous or timid in the company of other people.
• Bashful: Socially shy or timid.

Related Phrases

• Cảm thấy ngượng: To feel embarrassed/awkward.
• Làm cho ai ngượng: To make someone embarrassed.
• Ngượng miệng: To feel awkward or hesitant to say something (e.g., when asking for a favor).

Related Idioms

• Ngượng chín cả mặt / Ngượng đỏ mặt: To blush crimson/red with embarrassment (lit. to be embarrassed until one's face turns nine parts/crimson/red).
• Ngượng như gái mới về nhà chồng: As embarrassed as a new bride at her husband's house (describes extreme shyness or awkwardness in a new situation).

adj

1. ashamed