The word 羞耻 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to the concept of shame. 羞 originally depicted the idea of presenting a sheep as an offering, which evolved to mean feeling bashful or embarrassed, capturing the internal, personal warmth of disgrace. 耻, composed of an ear (耳) and heart (心), symbolizes the external and social aspect, the heart's reaction to what the ear hears from others, meaning disgrace or humiliation. Together, they fuse the inward feeling of embarrassment with the outward stain of dishonor, creating a complete picture of shame as both a private emotion and a public condition.