惭 (cán) - Ashamed & to feel shame or guilt

惭Tone 2

cán ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

惭 · cán

Ashamed;

to feel shame or guilt;

embarrassed due to one's own shortcomings or mistakes.

Ashamedto feel shame or guiltembarrassed due to one's own shortcomings or mistakes.

Usage highlights

Feel ashamedSelfAshamed expressionShame and fearDeeply ashamedAshamed to face someone

Synonyms

  • 愧— ashamed, guilty
  • 羞— shy, embarrassed
  • 怍— ashamed (literary)

Antonyms

  • 傲— arrogant, proud
  • 骄— haughty, conceited

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He felt ashamed of his behavior (感到惭愧).
  • I am ashamed of my poor performance (自惭形秽).
  • She looked embarrassed and apologized (面带惭色).
  • His modest words showed self-awareness (谦惭之词).

Collocations

  • Feel ashamed(惭愧)
  • Self-abasement(自惭)
  • Ashamed expression(惭色)
  • Shame and fear(惭惧)
  • Deeply ashamed(大惭)
  • Ashamed to face someone(惭怍)

Idioms

  • Feel unworthy(自惭形秽)
  • Ashamed and unable to raise one's head(惭凫企鹤)
  • Ashamed of one's inferiority(大言不惭 is ironic: 'brazenly boast without shame')

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 惭 reflects the Confucian value of self-reflection and moral shame as a virtue.
  • In traditional culture, feeling 惭 is seen as a sign of conscience and potential for self-improvement.
  • It is often used in contexts of modesty and acknowledging one's faults.

FAQ