Szégyellni

Szégyellni is a Hungarian verb that translates to "to be ashamed" or "to feel shame" in English. It describes a feeling of distress, humiliation, or guilt arising from the awareness of having done something wrong, or from the belief that one's actions, character, or appearance are disgraceful or dishonorable.

The verb is often used in contexts where an individual experiences a negative self-evaluation due to social disapproval or a violation of personal or societal norms. For instance, someone might szégyellni themselves for lying, for a mistake they made, or for an aspect of their background they perceive as inferior.

The intensity of the feeling can vary, ranging from a mild sense of embarrassment to deep, profound shame. The object of the shame can be an action, a thought, a personal characteristic, or even a situation beyond one's control.

Szégyellni can also be used reflexively, meaning "to be ashamed of oneself." It is a fundamental human emotion and plays a significant role in moral development and social behavior, often acting as a deterrent against actions deemed unacceptable. The opposite of szégyellni would be to feel proud or unashamed.