Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| constrangedor | /kõs.tɾɐ̃.ʒeˈdoʁ/ (Brazil) /kõs.tɾɐ̃.ʒeˈdoɾ/ (São Paulo) |
| embaraçoso | /ẽ.ba.ɾaˈso.zu/ (Brazil) /ĩ.ba.ɾaˈso.zu/ (Brazil) |
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean 'embarrassing', constrangedor is the most common and natural way to describe a situation that causes social awkwardness. In contrast, embaraçoso is less common in daily speech and often carries a nuance of being cumbersome, complicated or physically hindering.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mico is a slang term used specifically in Brazil to describe an embarrassing situation or blunder.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective constrangedor must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It becomes constrangedora for feminine nouns and constrangedores for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kõs.tɾɐ̃.ʒeˈdoʁ/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-rely on embaraçoso because it sounds similar to 'embarrassing', but constrangedor is usually the better choice for describing social awkwardness.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if you make a fool of yourself, you can say you 'pagou um mico'. This literally translates to 'you paid a little monkey', using 'mico' as slang for an embarrassing blunder.
- The root of constrangedor comes from the Latin 'constringere', meaning 'to bind together' or 'to tie tightly'. This reflects the feeling of being trapped or constricted by social pressure.
- While 'embarrassing' in English is often an adjective, Brazilians frequently use the verb 'passar vergonha', which means 'to pass shame', to describe the act of being embarrassed.
Examples in context
- Isto é tão embaraçoso.This is so embarrassing.This sentence is useful for using the term embaraçoso.Tatoeba #2651432 by alexmarcelo, translation #2650944 by meerkat
- Isso é tão constrangedor.That's so embarrassing.This sentence is useful for using the term constrangedor.Tatoeba #5428577 by bill, translation #2251245 by CK
- Foi um pouco constrangedor.It was a little embarrassing.Tatoeba #5428584 by bill, translation #4902780 by CK
- Aquela situação foi embaraçosa para todos os envolvidos.That situation was embarrassing for everyone involved.
- Foi uma situação extremamente constrangedora.It was an extremely embarrassing situation.
- Ela pagou um mico na festa de ontem.She made a fool of herself at yesterday's party.
- Aquele comportamento me constrangeu.That behavior embarrassed me.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are talking about a party they attended.
- LucasO que aconteceu ontem foi constrangedor.What happened yesterday was embarrassing.
- MarianaSim, foi muito difícil para mim.Yes, it was very difficult for me.
- LucasMas você lidou bem com a situação.But you handled the situation well.
- MarianaObrigada, Lucas, mas ainda me sinto mal.Thanks, Lucas, but I still feel bad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “embarrassing” translations and entries constrangedor, embaraçoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
