Meaning and Usage
"惭愧" (cán kuì) expresses a feeling of shame or embarrassment, often when one feels regretful about their actions or shortcomings. It is commonly used to admit fault or express humility in social situations.
Common Contexts
People use "惭愧" when apologizing, admitting mistakes, or expressing regret for not meeting expectations. It conveys a sincere emotional response rather than just a formal apology.
Collocations and Patterns
- 惭愧地承认 (cánkuì de chéngrèn): to admit something shamefully
- 感到惭愧 (gǎndào cánkuì): to feel ashamed
- 十分惭愧 (shífēn cánkuì): very ashamed
Nuances
"惭愧" is stronger than simply feeling embarrassed; it often implies a moral or ethical regret. It is polite and humble, suitable for formal and informal contexts. Avoid confusing it with "害羞" (shy) which is more about social shyness than moral shame.