zi6 caam4 jing4 wai3自慚形穢自惭形秽

Jyutpingzi6 caam4 jing4 wai3

Yalejih chàahm yìhng wai

動詞

Definition

To feel ashamed of one's own inferiority or inadequacy.

writtenemotiondescriptions

How it's used

This is a formal idiom that carries a literary weight, often used to describe a sense of inadequacy when comparing oneself to someone far superior in status, appearance, or talent. While it is perfectly understood in conversation, it is rarely used in casual settings and can sound quite dramatic or self-deprecating if used too lightly. It is most effective when you want to express a deep, almost humble realization of one's own shortcomings.

Examples

gin3見dou2到keoi5佢gam3咁lek1叻，ngo5我zan1真hai6係zi6自caam4慚jing4形wai3穢。

Seeing how talented they are, I really feel ashamed of my own inferiority.

nei5你sai2使mat1乜zi6自caam4慚jing4形wai3穢aa4呀，mui5每go3個jan4人dou1都jau5有coeng4長cyu3處㗎。

Why do you feel inferior? Everyone has their own strengths.

Common phrases

gam2感dou3到zi6自caam4慚jing4形wai3穢

to feel ashamed of one's inferiority

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple feeling of being shy or embarrassed, but it specifically implies a comparison where you perceive yourself as 'lesser' than someone else. It is not used for general embarrassment or social awkwardness.