Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Shameful" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "shameful", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
はしたない
はしたない (hashitanai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
浅ましい
あさましい (asamashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "shameful" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はしたない and 浅ましい.
In Japanese, はしたない (はしたない (hashitanai)) is typically associated with "shameful; indecent; vulgar; ill-mannered" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes behavior or speech that is inappropriate, rude, or lacking in modesty, especially from a female perspective or towards children. Often used to scold..
On the other hand, 浅ましい (あさましい (asamashii)) maps to "shameful, sordid, despicable, pathetic, miserable" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes behavior, desires, or circumstances that are contemptible, base, or pitiful due to their selfishness or lack of dignity.. A literal translation of "shameful" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "はしたない"
人前ではしたない真似はしないものだ。
One shouldn't behave indecently in front of others.
Bilingual Context for "浅ましい"
彼の金銭欲にまみれた行動は浅ましかった。
His money-driven behavior was despicable.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人前で ＿＿＿ 真似はしないものだ。" (Meaning: "One shouldn't behave indecently in front of others.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はしたない" fits here because it means "shameful; indecent; vulgar; ill-mannered" in the context of: "One shouldn't behave indecently in front of others.". "浅ましい" represents "shameful, sordid, despicable, pathetic, miserable".