Translation and Meaning of: 恥 - haji

The Japanese word 恥 (はじ, haji) carries a deep meaning in Japanese culture and language. Translated as "shame" or "dishonor," it goes beyond a simple emotion, reflecting social and moral values rooted in Japan. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 恥, its origin, everyday use, and how it connects with the Japanese mindset. Whether you are studying Japanese or just curious about the culture, understanding this word is essential for diving into the way of thinking of the country.

In addition to explaining the basic concept, we will address how 恥 appears in common expressions and its relationship with Japanese society. You will also discover practical tips for memorizing the kanji and avoiding confusion with similar terms. All of this is based on reliable sources, ensuring that you learn correctly. Shall we begin?

Meaning and Origin of 恥 (はじ)

The word 恥 (はじ) represents a feeling of shame or humiliation, but in the Japanese context, it is linked to social perception. Unlike Western shame, which can be more individual, 恥 is related to how others see us. This concept has roots in Confucian culture, which values social harmony and respect for collective norms.

The kanji 恥 is composed of two elements: the radical 耳 (ear) and 心 (heart). Some scholars suggest that this combination symbolizes "hearing the heart" in the face of a moral failure. In the Japanese dictionary, 恥 is defined as the feeling of having done something wrong in front of society, causing embarrassment or disgrace. This notion is so strong that it influences behaviors from childhood to adulthood in Japan.

Cultural and Social Use of 恥

In Japan, avoiding 恥 is a powerful motivator to follow rules and maintain reputation. This concept appears in everyday situations, such as at work or school, where the fear of "losing face" in front of others is real. For example, an employee may strive to the utmost to avoid making mistakes that would bring shame to the team. This mindset also explains why many Japanese people avoid direct confrontations or public criticism.

Expressions like 恥ずかしい (hazukashii - "embarrassing") or 恥をかく (haji o kaku - "to be embarrassed") are common in the language. They show how Japanese society values modesty and discretion. Even in animes and dramas, it is common to see characters reacting with 恥 when they make mistakes or fail at something important. This cultural reflection helps understand why the Japanese often prioritize the group over individualism.

Tips for Memorizing and Using 恥 Correctly

For those studying Japanese, an effective way to remember the kanji 恥 is to associate its components: the "ear" (耳) that turns red with embarrassment and the "heart" (心) that races in those moments. This mental image helps in memorizing both the writing and the meaning. Another tip is to practice with simple phrases like 恥を知れ (haji o shire - "have shame"), used in contexts of moral reprimand.

It is important not to confuse 恥 with terms like 羞恥心 (shūchishin - "sense of modesty"), which has a more specific nuance. While 恥 can refer to public shame, 羞恥心 is more related to intimate embarrassment. Observing these differences helps to use the word in the appropriate context, whether in conversations or while consuming content in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 恥辱 (Chijoku) - Dishonor, intense shame
• 羞恥 (Shuuchi) - Shame, embarrassment
• 恥ずかしさ (Hazukashisa) - Feelings of shame, embarrassment
• 恥じらい (Hajirai) - Feeling of shame or shyness
• 恥ずかしがり屋 (Hazukashigariya) - Shy person, someone who easily feels embarrassed.
• 恥じらい屋 (Hajiraiya) - Someone who feels shame or shyness
• 恥辱を受ける (Chijoku o ukeru) - To be subjected to disgrace
• 恥をかく (Haji o kaku) - Feel embarrassed, go through an awkward moment.
• 恥をかかせる (Haji o kakaseru) - Making someone feel ashamed
• 恥をかく思い (Haji o kaku omoi) - Feeling of embarrassment
• 恥をかかせる思い (Haji o kakaseru omoi) - Feeling of making someone feel embarrassed

恥

Romaji: haji
Kana: はじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: shame; embarrassment

Meaning in English: shame;embarrassment

Definition: The feeling you get when you are seen or heard by others.

Example Sentences - (恥) haji

See below some example sentences:

裸のままで出かけるのは恥ずかしいです。

Hadaka no mama de dekakeru no wa hazukashii desu

It is shameful to go naked.

It is embarrassing to go naked.

• 裸のままで出かける - going out without clothes
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 恥ずかしい - ashamed, embarrassed
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼は恥ずかしくて俯いていた。

Kare wa hazukashikute utsumuite ita

He was embarrassed and looking down.

He was embarrassed and refused.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) - Embarrassed
• くて (kute) - Suffix indicating a condition or state
• 俯いていた (utsumuiteita) - I was looking down

彼は恥ずかしさから引っ込んでしまった。

Kare wa hazukashisa kara hikkonde shimatta

He retreated out of shame.

He was removed from the embarrassment.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 恥ずかしさ - Japanese noun meaning "shame" or "shyness".
• から - Japanese particle that indicates the cause or reason for something.
• 引っ込んでしまった - Japanese verb meaning "to withdraw" or "to retreat" and the particle しまった indicates that the action has been completed in a negative or unwanted way.

恥じることはない。

Hajiru koto wa nai

There is no shame in embarrassing.

Do not be shy.

• 恥じる - Verb meaning to feel ashamed, embarrassed or humiliated.
• こと - Noun meaning thing, fact or subject.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• ない - Suffix indicating negation, i.e. "there is not" or "there is not".