maladroit
/ma.la.dʁwa/
The English phrase 'gauche' can be translated into French as maladroit.
Both maladroit and empoté are used to describe someone or something that is clumsy, awkward or bumbling.
Meaning: awkward, bumbling (adj)
Which one should you use?
While maladroit is a standard way to express being awkward, empoté is a more informal alternative for describing the same quality of clumsiness.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.la.dʁwa/
Did you know?
- In French culture, the concept of being gauche historically linked the left hand with clumsiness or evil, similar to the Latin 'sinister'.
- In French, the word 'adroit' (the root of 'maladroit') literally means 'right', referring to the dexterity of one's right hand.
- To be adroit, the opposite of maladroit, is not just about being skillful but is often used to describe someone who is 'clever' or 'cunning' in a social situation.
Examples in context
- Il est parfois un peu maladroit.He is sometimes a little awkward.
- C'était un geste maladroit de sa part.It was a clumsy gesture on his part.
- Je me sens maladroit dans ces situations.I feel bumbling in these situations.
Example conversation
Hugo accidentally knocks over a glass of water.
- HugoOh non, je suis vraiment maladroit !Oh no, I am really clumsy!
- EmmaCe n'est pas grave, Hugo.It's not a problem, Hugo.
- HugoJe suis désolé d'être si maladroit.I am sorry for being so awkward.
- EmmaLaisse-moi t'aider à tout nettoyer.Let me help you clean everything up.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maladroit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
