Hävetti

Hävetti is a Finnish word that describes a feeling of unease, discomfort, or shame. It is often translated into English as "to feel sick," "to feel disgusted," or "to feel ashamed." The exact nuance of hävetti can depend on the context in which it is used. It can refer to a physical sensation of nausea, a moral feeling of guilt or embarrassment, or a general sense of something being unpleasant or wrong.

The word is commonly used in everyday Finnish conversation. For example, someone might say "Minua hävetti" which translates to "I felt ashamed" or "I felt embarrassed." It can also be used to describe a situation or object that evokes such feelings, such as "Se oli hävettävä tilanne" meaning "It was a shameful situation." The feeling of hävetti can range from mild discomfort to a strong sense of moral outrage or personal humiliation.

In some cases, hävetti can be used humorously to describe minor unpleasantries. However, its core meaning relates to a negative emotional response, often involving a sense of something being distasteful, morally questionable, or personally embarrassing. The word captures a complex emotional state that is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture and language.