Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| embarazoso | /embaɾaˈθoso/ /embaɾaˈsoso/ |
| desgarbado | /desɡaɾˈbado/ |
| desgarbilado | /desɡaɾbilado/ (from spelling rules) |
The word 'awkward' can refer to different types of discomfort depending on the context. Common ways to express these concepts include momento incómodo for an 'awkward moment' or chocante to describe an awkward situation that catches you off guard.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on whether the awkwardness is social or physical. Use embarazoso to describe situations that cause social discomfort or embarrassment. In contrast, use desgarbado to refer to physical awkwardness or a lack of grace in movement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions use different words to express awkwardness. In Spain, the word raro/a is used in informal conversations to describe an awkward situation as something strange or uneasy. In Latin America, penoso/a is used to express awkwardness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective desgarbado must change to desgarbada to agree with a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/embaɾaˈθoso/
Did you know?
- The root of embarazoso can be traced back through Arabic and Syriac to the Akkadian word markasu.
- The word embarazoso comes from embarazar, which also means 'to impregnate' or 'to make pregnant'.
- In many Latin American countries, if a situation is socially awkward, you might say it is penoso. This comes from pena, meaning 'sorrow' or 'pity', implying the situation is so awkward it is almost painful.
Examples in context
- Esto es tan embarazoso.This is so awkward.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of embarazoso.Tatoeba #4329330 by pchamorro, translation #3318893 by Hybrid
- La pregunta del jefe me puso en un aprietoThe boss's question put me in an awkward position.
- Me siento muy incómodo con esta situaciónI feel very awkward with this situation.
- ¡Qué momento incómodo fue ese!What an awkward moment that was!
- Fue un encuentro chocante y un poco incómodoIt was a shocking and slightly awkward encounter.
- El silencio durante la cena fue muy raroThe silence during dinner was very awkward.
- Fue un momento muy embarazoso para él.It was a very awkward moment for him.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a party they attended.
- Lucía¿Te pareció que el silencio fue embarazoso?Did you find the silence awkward?
- JavierSí, Lucía, fue un momento bastante incómodo.Yes, Lucía, it was a quite uncomfortable moment.
- LucíaJavier, creo que nadie sabía qué decir.Javier, I think nobody knew what to say.
- JavierEs verdad, fue una situación muy embarazosa.It's true, it was a very awkward situation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “awkward” translations and entries embarazoso, desgarbado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desgarbado, embarazoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
