About
The character "愧", denoting a sense of shame or guilt, is formed from the heart radical 忄 combined with 鬼, which provides phonetic guidance while concurrently suggesting connotations of the shadowy or concealed, thereby reflecting the inward and often private experience of this moral emotion. Its etymology points to an enduring link between the heart as the seat of feeling and a state of disquiet arising from perceived wrongdoing, a connection evident in early literary uses where it described personal disgrace or inadequacy. Throughout its historical usage, the meaning of "愧" has retained this fundamental core while extending its application beyond individual fault to encompass broader ethical regrets, such as failing collective responsibilities or societal ideals, mirroring an evolving emphasis on Confucian virtues and interpersonal obligations. The character's graphical composition has remained largely unchanged, with the elements of heart and ghost persistently visible, allowing its structural logic to continue conveying its original semantic intent.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我感到很愧疚。
他显得很惭愧。
她对孩子感到愧疚。
他愧疚地离开了房间。
没有帮助朋友，他十分愧疚。
在失败面前，他毫无愧疚之意。
他对于自己的疏忽深感愧疚。
他因为说谎而愧疚不已。