vergognarsi
to be ashamed; to feel embarrassed
Intermediate Verb
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Pronunciation
/ver.ɡoɲˈɲar.si/
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Cultural Note
'Vergognati!' (Shame on you!) is a strong rebuke in Italian. The concept of 'bella figura' and 'brutta figura' — making a good or bad impression — is central to Italian social life, and vergognarsi is the emotional response to making a 'brutta figura.'
📝 Example Sentences
Mi vergogno di quello che ho detto.
I'm ashamed of what I said.
Non vergognarti dei tuoi sentimenti.
Don't be ashamed of your feelings.
Si vergognava di chiedere aiuto.
She was embarrassed to ask for help.