Nuance Dictionary / Social Awkwardness
무안하다 mu-an-ha-da
Feeling put to shame, losing face after a rejection or correction
What does 무안하다 mean?
무안하다 (mu-an-ha-da) means: Feeling put to shame, losing face after a rejection or correction.
If you confidently state a fact in a meeting, and the boss immediately proves you completely wrong in front of everyone, your face burns. That loss of face and sharp embarrassment is '무안하다'.
How it's actually used
- 아무도 내 농담에 안 웃어줘서 엄청 무안했다.
amudo nae nongdame an useojwoseo eomcheong muanhaetda.
Nobody laughed at my joke, so I felt really embarrassed and put on the spot.
💡 Used when losing face or receiving an unexpected cold reaction. - 틀린 걸 당당하게 말했더니 나중에 너무 무안했어.
teullin geol dangdanghage malhaetdeoni najunge neomu muanhaesseo.
I said something wrong so confidently, and I felt so ashamed later.
💡 Used when corrected in front of others. - 칭찬받을 줄 알고 내민 손을 상대가 못 본 체해서 무안했다.
chingchan-badul jul algo naemin soneul sangdaega mot bon chehaeseo muanhaetda.
I felt so embarrassed when the other person ignored the hand I held out expecting a compliment.
💡 Describes the awkward feeling of losing face or being publicly embarrassed.