gênant
/ʒɛ.nɑ̃/
The French word for awkward is gênant.
gênant is used to describe something that causes social discomfort, such as an awkward silence or an awkward situation.
Meaning: lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction (adj)
Which one should you use?
While gênant refers to a sense of social discomfort or an awkward situation, the word maladroit is used to describe someone who is physically clumsy or lacks tact in their actions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form gênante for feminine nouns, gênants for masculine plural nouns and gênantes for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒɛ.nɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word maladroit shares a root with the word 'right'. It literally describes someone who is 'not right-handed' or 'not dexterous'.
- To describe a 'cringe' moment, French speakers often use the word malaisant, a modern derivative of malaise that functions similarly to gênant.
- The word gênant comes from the verb gêner, which can also mean to physically block someone's path or be in the way.
Examples in context
- Ce silence gênant est insupportable.This awkward silence is insufferable.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe an awkward silence using gênant.Tatoeba #11947637 by Amastan, translation #11451910 by Amastan
- Le dictateur essaya en vain de se sortir de la situation gênante.The dictator tried in vain to get out of the awkward situation.This sentence is useful for describing an awkward situation using gênante.Tatoeba #8442936 by Aiji, translation #2877169 by AlanF_US
- C'était une situation très gênanteIt was a very awkward situation
- Il est plutôt maladroit dans ses interactions socialesHe is quite awkward in his social interactions
- Cette conversation est devenue vraiment embarrassanteThis conversation has become really awkward
- Je me sens gêné(e) quand il me regarde ainsiI feel awkward when he looks at me like that
- C'était une situation vraiment bizarreIt was a really awkward situation
- Je suis vraiment désolé(e), c'est très gênantI'm really sorry, it's very awkward
- Je me sens maladroit(e) dans cette situationI feel awkward in this situation
- Excusez-moi, j'ai mal compris. C'est plutôt embarrassantExcuse me, I misunderstood. It's rather embarrassing
- Il a un comportement très gênant.He has a very awkward way of behaving.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are at a party where they don't know anyone.
- HugoJe ne sais pas quoi dire, c'est gênant.I don't know what to say, it's awkward.
- LéaMoi aussi, je me sens un peu perdue.Me too, I feel a bit lost.
- HugoOn devrait essayer de parler à quelqu'un.We should try to talk to someone.
- LéaD'accord, Hugo, allons-y ensemble.Okay, Hugo, let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gênant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
