sentir vergüenza ajena
feel embarrassed
The phrase 'sentir vergüenza ajena' translates to 'to feel secondhand embarrassment' in English. It describes the feeling of embarrassment experienced by one person on behalf of another, usually when witnessing someone else's awkward or embarrassing situation. This feeling is often triggered when someone does something socially inappropriate or cringe-worthy, causing the observer to feel discomfort or shame despite not being directly involved.
Example sentences using: sentir vergüenza ajena
Me siento sentir vergüenza ajena cuando veo a alguien actuar de manera inapropiada en público.
I feel secondhand embarrassment when I see someone acting inappropriately in public.
This phrase expresses the feeling of discomfort or embarrassment one experiences on behalf of another person who is behaving poorly or awkwardly in a social setting.
Siempre siento sentir vergüenza ajena al ver los errores que comete mi amigo en las redes sociales.
I always feel secondhand embarrassment when I see the mistakes my friend makes on social media.
This example highlights the feeling of embarrassment one may feel for a friend who is publicly displaying their mistakes on platforms where others can see them.
Es difícil no sentir sentir vergüenza ajena cuando veo a mi familiar decir cosas absurdas en la televisión.
It's hard not to feel secondhand embarrassment when I see my relative saying ridiculous things on television.
In this case, the phrase captures the awkwardness and discomfort that arises when a family member behaves in a way that is socially unacceptable or embarrassing on a public forum.