Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
悪びれる
わるびれる (warubireru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
恥じる
はじる (hajiru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 悪びれる and 恥じる.
In Japanese, 悪びれる (わるびれる (warubireru)) is typically associated with "to feel ashamed, to be timid, to be abashed" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in the negative form.
On the other hand, 恥じる (はじる (hajiru)) maps to "to feel ashamed" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "feel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "悪びれる"
彼は自分が間違っていると分かっていても、全く悪びれる様子がなかった。
He showed no sign of shame, even though he knew he was wrong.
Bilingual Context for "恥じる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために恥じる。
Every day, I feel ashamed to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は自分が間違っていると分かっていても、全く ＿＿＿ 様子がなかった。" (Meaning: "He showed no sign of shame, even though he knew he was wrong.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "悪びれる" fits here because it means "to feel ashamed, to be timid, to be abashed" in the context of: "He showed no sign of shame, even though he knew he was wrong.". "恥じる" represents "to feel ashamed".