尴尬
Awkward or embarrassed. It describes a situation that is difficult to deal with because it is uncomfortable or socially clumsy.
Examples
3 of 5他站在人群中，表情显得有些尴尬。
He stood in the crowd, looking a bit awkward.
两国关系目前处于一种尴尬的境地。
The relationship between the two countries is currently in an awkward situation.
别提了，那天真是尴尬死了。
Don't even mention it; it was so embarrassing that day.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Both characters have '尢' (limping) on the side, suggesting a situation where you can't walk away easily.
Quick Quiz
当他发现自己穿反了衣服时，感到非常___。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 尴尬
Examples
他站在人群中，表情显得有些尴尬。
everydayHe stood in the crowd, looking a bit awkward.
两国关系目前处于一种尴尬的境地。
formalThe relationship between the two countries is currently in an awkward situation.
别提了，那天真是尴尬死了。
informalDon't even mention it; it was so embarrassing that day.
这种研究结果让之前的理论显得非常尴尬。
academicThis research result makes the previous theory look very awkward.
谈判陷入了尴尬的沉默。
businessThe negotiations fell into an awkward silence.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
化解尴尬
to smooth things over
缓解尴尬
to ease the awkwardness
Often Confused With
难堪 is more intense and often implies being humiliated or shamed.
Usage Notes
Very common in both speaking and writing to describe social or professional friction.
Common Mistakes
In Chinese, 尴尬 is an adjective, so don't use it like 'I embarrassed him'. Use '让他感到尴尬'.
Memory Tip
Both characters have '尢' (limping) on the side, suggesting a situation where you can't walk away easily.
Word Origin
From Wu Chinese dialect, originally meaning 'unable to move'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
当他发现自己穿反了衣服时，感到非常___。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 尴尬
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
争议
B1A state of prolonged public disagreement or heated debate. It is a vital word for IELTS Task 2 to describe topics that have opposing viewpoints.
缺乏
B1To be without something necessary or desirable; to have an insufficient amount of something.
面临
B1To be confronted with or to face a situation, especially a difficult one or a choice.
充足
B1Sufficient, adequate, or plenty. Having enough of something for a specific purpose.
必要
B1Necessary, essential, or indispensable. Something that must be done or must exist to achieve a result.
区别
B1A difference or contrast between people or things. As a verb, it means to recognize or point out a difference.
恶化
B1To become worse or make something worse in quality, condition, or character.
抵消
B1To counteract something by having an opposing force or effect; to offset.
替代
B1To use something or someone instead of another thing or person; or to take the place of something.
重大
B1Extremely important or significant, often used to describe events, decisions, or changes that have a large impact on a situation or the future.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free