esto es incómodo
/esto es inkomodo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "this is awkward" is expressed as esto es incómodo.
The phrase is used to describe a situation that is socially uncomfortable or embarrassing. It is also the standard way to describe a physical sensation of discomfort, such as an ill-fitting chair.
Which one should you use?
While esto es incómodo can refer to a socially awkward situation, it also describes physical discomfort. If the awkwardness is specifically caused by feeling embarrassed or ashamed, a native speaker is more likely to use qué vergüenza instead. Additionally, while esto es incómodo is a literal statement, the exclamation ¡Qué incómodo! is often a more natural way to react to an awkward moment in many Spanish-speaking contexts.
Did you know?
- If you are in a socially awkward situation in Mexico, you might hear people say qué oso, which literally translates to 'what a bear'.
- While esto es incómodo describes the situation, a Spanish speaker might use qué trágame tierra to express the desire for the ground to swallow them up during an awkward moment.
- The word incómodo shares its DNA with the English word 'commodity', as both derive from the Latin root for 'convenience' or 'measure'.
Examples in context
- Esto es incómodo para mí.This is awkward for me.
- Siento que esto es incómodo.I feel that this is awkward.
- No quiero hablar porque esto es incómodo.I don't want to talk because this is awkward.
Example conversation
María and Javier are stuck in a silent elevator after a minor argument.
- MaríaEsto es incómodo, ¿verdad?This is awkward, right?
- JavierSí, lo siento mucho, María.Yes, I am very sorry, María.
- MaríaNo importa, Javier.It doesn't matter, Javier.
- JavierGracias por entender.Thanks for understanding.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, esto, incómodo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
