はずい hazui is a simplified version of はずかしい hazukasii (ashamed or embarrassed), which rapidly gained popularity among young people.
Even now, it is gradually becoming part of the everyday language across a wide age group.
Non-native Japanese speakers usually grasp the meaning correctly when they use はずい, but it isn't considered proper Japanese.
There's a common perception that it's not considered proper Japanese in general, so excessive use of はずい can easily create the impression of a limited vocabulary or a lower educational level.
You can be embarrassed if you use it at the wrong time and place.
It is safe to use はずい only among close friends.
How to Use It
When you suddenly feel embarrassed upon noticing something funny about yourself or witnessing someone behaving embarrassingly without being seen, you may say "はず!"
For example, consider the following scenarios:
- A friend points out that the zipper of your pants is open.
- You mistakenly call out to your teacher at school, "Mom!"
- A security camera captures a police officer practicing a duck dance in the parking lot, thinking no one is watching.
In written language, you will see it written as "はずっ" but the little "っ" is not pronounced.
When speaking to yourself, it's more common to use はず without the "い" in "はずい."
Comments
Post a Comment