Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
Ashamed in Spanish: Avergonzado
Avergonzado · adjective · ah-vehr-gohn-SAH-doh
The adjective 'avergonzado' (masculine) or 'avergonzada' (feminine) translates to 'ashamed' in English. It derives from the noun 'vergüenza' (shame) and describes the feeling of embarrassment or disgrace resulting from one's actions. In Mexico, 'apenado/a' is a widely used regional alternative.
ah-vehr-gohn-SAH-doh
Se sintió avergonzado cuando se dio cuenta de que había pronunciado mal el nombre del invitado.
He felt ashamed when he realized he had mispronounced the guest's name.
Ashamed in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for ashamed, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| avergonzado | ashamed | ah-vehr-gohn-SAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| avergonzada | ashamed | feminine form | |
| apenado | ashamed | Mexico and Central America |
How Native Speakers Use Avergonzado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
After a mistake
Estaba tan avergonzada que no pudo mirar a nadie a los ojos durante el resto de la cena.
She was so ashamed that she couldn't look anyone in the eyes for the rest of dinner.
Avergonzada takes the feminine ending when describing a woman.
Mexican variant
Mi sobrino estaba muy apenado por haber roto el jarrón de porcelana de la abuela.
My nephew was very ashamed for having broken grandmother's porcelain vase.
Apenado is the preferred term in Mexican Spanish for this feeling.
Moral shame
Deberías estar avergonzado de cómo trataste a esa persona que solo pedía ayuda.
You should be ashamed of how you treated that person who was only asking for help.
Estar avergonzado de is the construction for being ashamed of something.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Avergonzado
Ser vs. estar confusion
Incorrect: Soy avergonzado por lo que hice ayer.
Correct: Estoy avergonzado por lo que hice ayer.
Shame is a temporary emotional state requiring estar, not ser; using ser would incorrectly imply that being ashamed is a permanent personality trait.
False friend with embarrassed
Incorrect: Me siento embarazado por el error.
Correct: Me siento avergonzado por el error.
Embarazado means pregnant in Spanish, not embarrassed; this is one of the most famous false cognates between English and Spanish.
Lock in Ashamed Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Avergonzado used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using avergonzado in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Se sintió avergonzado cuando se dio cuenta de que había pronunciado mal el nombre del invitado. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Ashamed in Spanish
- What is the difference between avergonzado and apenado?
- Both convey a sense of shame or embarrassment, but apenado is predominantly used in Mexico and parts of Central America, while avergonzado is universal. Apenado can also carry a lighter connotation, closer to 'sorry' or 'apologetic,' depending on context.
- Is embarazado really a false cognate?
- Embarazado is arguably the most famous false friend between English and Spanish—it means 'pregnant,' not 'embarrassed.' Countless language learners have accidentally declared themselves pregnant instead of embarrassed, making this a memorable cautionary example in Spanish classes worldwide.
- How do you say 'I'm ashamed of myself' in Spanish?
- The phrase is 'estoy avergonzado/a de mí mismo/a,' using the reflexive 'de mí mismo' for males or 'de mí misma' for females. This construction emphasizes personal responsibility for the feeling of shame.