How to Sign "Embarrased"

To sign 'embarrassed', use your dominant hand to form a bent handshape, keeping your fingers together. Place the back of your fingers against your cheek. Twist your hand forward and down slightly, keeping the back of your fingers in contact with your face. Remember to use a bashful or sheepish facial expression to match the meaning!

Examples Using "Embarrased" in a Sentence

1

I was so embarrassed when I tripped.

Sign 'I', then sign 'embarrassed' by twisting the back of your bent fingers against your cheek, followed by the sign for 'trip'.

2

He gets embarrassed easily.

Point to 'He', sign 'embarrassed' on your cheek, and then sign 'easy', making sure your facial expression shows bashfulness.

3

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions.

Sign 'Don't', 'embarrassed', 'ask', and 'questions', keeping a warm and supportive facial expression to encourage the person.

How to Sign "Embarrased"
To sign 'embarrassed', use your dominant hand to form a bent handshape, keeping your fingers together. Place the back of your fingers against your cheek. Twist your hand forward and down slightly, keeping the back of your fingers in contact with your face. Remember to use a bashful or sheepish facial expression to match the meaning!
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign's location and movement draw attention to the cheek, visually representing the physical reaction of blushing, turning red, or wanting to hide your face when feeling bashful.
Signing Tips
Your facial expression is just as important as your hand movement! Lower your eyes slightly, give a sheepish smile, or mimic a blushing face to truly convey the feeling of being embarrassed.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use the palm of their hand instead of the back of their fingers. Make sure the back of your bent fingers rests against your cheek before twisting forward.
Regional Variations
While the sign shown here is often used interchangeably for 'shy' and 'embarrassed', another very common sign specifically for 'embarrassed' uses both hands with open '5' handshapes making alternating upward circular motions near the cheeks to represent blushing.
Examples Using "Embarrased" in a Sentence
1

I was so embarrassed when I tripped.

Sign 'I', then sign 'embarrassed' by twisting the back of your bent fingers against your cheek, followed by the sign for 'trip'.

2

He gets embarrassed easily.

Point to 'He', sign 'embarrassed' on your cheek, and then sign 'easy', making sure your facial expression shows bashfulness.

3

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions.

Sign 'Don't', 'embarrassed', 'ask', and 'questions', keeping a warm and supportive facial expression to encourage the person.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign as 'shy'?

Yes! The sign shown in this video is commonly used for both 'shy' and 'embarrassed', as both words share the same visual concept of bashfulness and blushing.

Do I need to actually touch my cheek?

Yes, the back of your fingers should lightly touch or brush against your cheek as you twist your hand forward.

Can I use my left hand if I am left-handed?

Absolutely! Always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like this one. Just mirror the movement on the left side of your face.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!