noun

en skam

shame

Skam means shame: a painful feeling caused by believing that one has done something wrong, dishonourable or socially unacceptable.

It can also mean disgrace or dishonour, especially when referring to the loss of respect or reputation.

Skam is an en-word noun:

It is usually uncountable when describing the feeling. The word comes from Old Norse skǫmm and is related to English “shame.”

blygsel — modesty or bashfulness; generally milder than skam and not necessarily connected to wrongdoing.
vanära — dishonour or disgrace; focuses more on damaged reputation than on the feeling of shame.
stolthet — pride; can be an opposite when contrasting feelings of shame and pride.
ära — honour; an opposite in the sense of disgrace or dishonour.

känna skam — to feel shame.
skämmas av skam — to be deeply ashamed.
dra skam över någon — to bring shame upon someone.
skam den som ger sig — “never give up”; literally, “shame on the one who gives up.”

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Lisa känner skam när hon tappar sin bok.noun

Lisa feels shame when she drops her book.

Ingen vill prata om sin skam öppet.noun

No one wants to talk about their shame openly.

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