Meaning and Usage
"恥じる" (はじる) is a formal verb meaning "to feel ashamed" or "to be embarrassed" about something. It expresses a personal feeling of shame or embarrassment, often related to one's actions or mistakes.
Common Contexts
This verb is frequently used in written or formal spoken Japanese, such as in literature, speeches, or polite conversations. It often appears when someone reflects on their own faults or regrets.
Collocations and Patterns
- 恥じることがない: "there is nothing to be ashamed of"; used to reassure someone.
- 恥じる気持ち: "feeling of shame"; describes the emotional state.
- 自分を恥じる: "to feel ashamed of oneself"; common expression for self-reflection.
Register and Nuance
"恥じる" is more formal and literary compared to casual expressions like "恥ずかしい" (embarrassed). It often conveys a deeper or more serious sense of shame.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "恥じる" with "恥ずかしい". Remember, "恥じる" is a verb describing the act of feeling shame, while "恥ずかしい" is an adjective describing something or someone as embarrassing or shameful.