Dictionary — Entry No. 0921
부끄러워
bukkeureopda · adjective
부끄러워
bukkeureopda
[boo-KKUH-ruh-wuh]
adjectiveintermediate
Meaning
Expresses shame or embarrassment, particularly about one’s own actions or character flaws. This emotion involves self-directed criticism and the feeling of being exposed or diminished in front of others. It’s more internalized than external embarrassment.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
K-dramas frequently depict characters experiencing bukkeureopda during moments of moral failure or social awkwardness—common in Boys Over Flowers and Descendants of the Sun. K-pop idols reference this emotion when discussing past mistakes or embarrassing moments. The emotion is central to Korean storytelling around redemption and character growth.
Example Sentences
그렇게 행동해서 정말 부끄러워.
Geureohke haengdonghae-seo jeongmal bukkeureopda.
I’m really ashamed of myself for acting that way. (Self-directed shame)
모두 앞에서 그런 말을 하다니 너무 부끄러워.
Modu apeseo geureoun mareul hadani neomu bukkeureopda.
I’m so embarrassed that I said that in front of everyone. (Public shame)
예전에 몰라서 부끄러운 행동을 했어.
Yejeon-e mollaseo bukkeureoupphan haengdongeul haesseo.
I did embarrassing things in the past because I didn’t know better. (Youthful shame with wisdom)
⚠️ Don’t use bukkeureopda when…
Don’t use bukkeureopda for minor embarrassments—it implies serious shame about character or behavior. Overusing it can sound overly dramatic or self-pitying. This emotion typically requires acknowledgment of the mistake and desire for redemption.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Boys Over Flowers — Geum Jan-di’s shame about her family’s social status drives much of her character arc
- K-Pop: BTS — ‘Dynamite’ (lyrics celebrate overcoming self-doubt and shame about one’s abilities)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.