محرج
muhrij
The English word 'embarrassing' is translated into Arabic as محرج (muhrij).
محرج is used as an adjective to describe something that causes embarrassment.
Meaning: causing embarrassment (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the active and passive forms: محرج (muhrij) refers to the thing that is embarrassing, whereas محرج (muhraj) is a passive participle meaning 'the one who is embarrassed'.
How do you pronounce it?
muhrij
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse محرج (the cause of embarrassment) with محرج (the person who is feeling embarrassed).
Did you know?
- While محرج (muhrij) is the standard term, in a social setting one might say a situation is بايخ (bayikh), which literally means 'rotten' or 'bad tasting' but is used to describe an awkward or embarrassing moment.
- The word محرج comes from the root حرج, which originally referred to a narrow, cramped place where movement is restricted. In this sense, feeling 'embarrassed' is described as being mentally or socially 'trapped'.
- In some cultures, particularly in the Gulf, causing someone to be محرج (embarrassed) is seen as a serious social offense. There is a strong cultural emphasis on saving face to ensure no one ever feels محرج in public.
Examples in context
- كم هذا محرج!How embarrassing!Tatoeba #1899761 by Asma, translation #277273 by CK
- هذا الموقف مُحْرِج للغاية.This situation is extremely embarrassing.
- إنَّه شاب خَجول ويشعر بالحرج بسرعة.He is a shy young man who quickly feels embarrassed.
- هذا موقف محرج جداً.hadha mawqif muhrij jiddan.This is a very embarrassing situation.
Example conversation
Maryam tells Omar about a mistake she made at work.
- مريم Maryamلقد تعثرت أمام الجميع في العمل.Laqad ta'athartu amāma al-jamī' fī al-'amal.I tripped in front of everyone at work.
- عمر Omarيا إلهي، هذا محرج حقاً!Yā ilāhī, hādhā muhrij haqqan!Oh my god, that is really embarrassing!
- مريم Maryamنعم، كنت أريد الاختفاء من الخجل.Na'am, kuntu urīdu al-ikhtifā' mina al-khajal.Yes, I wanted to disappear from embarrassment.
- عمر Omarلا تقلقي يا مريم، سينسون الأمر.Lā taqlaqī yā Maryam, sayansawna al-amr.Don't worry Maryam, they will forget it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
