面目(めんぼく)ない

めんぼくない
expression
ashamed; losing face
1. ashamed; embarrassed; unable to face someone
Expresses deep shame or embarrassment, especially when one feels unable to face others due to a failure or mistake. Often used as an apology when one has let someone down.
面目(めんぼく)ない限(かぎ)りです。
I am deeply ashamed.
期待(きたい)に応(こた)えられず、面目(めんぼく)ない。
I couldn't live up to expectations — I'm ashamed.
みなさんに迷惑(めいわく)をかけてしまい、面目(めんぼく)ない気持(きも)ちでいっぱいです。
I caused everyone trouble and am filled with shame.

USAGE:
面目(めんぼく) means "face" or "honor" in the social sense. 面目(めんぼく)ない literally means "there is no face" — i.e., one has lost face. It is a relatively formal expression of shame, often used in apologies to superiors or groups.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 面目(めんぼく)ない限(かぎ)りだ (to be deeply ashamed)
  • 面目(めんぼく)ない気持(きも)ちでいっぱいだ (to be filled with shame)
  • 面目(めんぼく)ない次第(しだい)です (a very formal way to say "I am ashamed")

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 面目(めんぼく)が立(た)つ: to save face
  • 面目(めんぼく)を失(うしな)う: to lose face
  • 面目(めんぼく)丸(まる)潰(つぶ)れ: total loss of face
general
Added 2026.3.22 18:45
18500/18586_menbokunai