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.
面目ない限りです。
I am deeply ashamed.
Usage
面目 means "face" or "honor" in the social sense. 面目ない 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
- 面目ない限りだ (to be deeply ashamed)
- 面目ない気持ちでいっぱいだ (to be filled with shame)
- 面目ない次第です (a very formal way to say "I am ashamed")