惭愧

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"惭愧" (cán kuì) expresses a feeling of shame or embarrassment, often when one feels regretful about their actions or shortcomings. It is commonly used to admit fault or express humility in social situations.

Common Contexts

People use "惭愧" when apologizing, admitting mistakes, or expressing regret for not meeting expectations. It conveys a sincere emotional response rather than just a formal apology.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

"惭愧" is stronger than simply feeling embarrassed; it often implies a moral or ethical regret. It is polite and humble, suitable for formal and informal contexts. Avoid confusing it with "害羞" (shy) which is more about social shyness than moral shame.

Example Sentences

I feel ashamed because I couldn't help.

He admitted his mistake in front of everyone and looked very ashamed.

Shamefully, I forgot my friend's birthday.