Vocabulary
민망하다
feel awkward or embarrassed
Meaning
민망하다: here, “feel awkward / embarrassed” because the situation is socially uncomfortable.
Why this form?
부끄럽다 — “feel ashamed / shy / embarrassed”: can arise from personal shame or shyness; 민망하다 focuses more on the awkwardness created by the situation itself.
당황하다 — “be flustered / caught off guard”: describes an immediate reaction when one does not know how to respond; 민망하다 mainly conveys embarrassment at being in an awkward position.
Forms not to confuse
부끄럽다
칭찬을 받으니 조금 부끄러워요. — I feel a little shy when I am complimented.
당황하다
갑자기 이름을 불러서 당황했어요. — I was caught off guard when my name was suddenly called.
Examples
조금 민망해 보인다. — He looks a little embarrassed.
사람들 앞에서 넘어져서 민망했어요. — I was embarrassed because I fell in front of everyone.