French Conversation · Level 120
57 words
French word
embarras
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃baʁa/
Meaning
- masculine nounawkwardness
Example
Il y avait un embarras entre eux après la discussion.
There was awkwardness between them after the discussion.
More examples
Sa remarque a provoqué un léger embarras parmi les invités.
His remark caused slight embarrassment among the guests.
Core concept
An invisible obstacle between people that blocks easy words and makes their behavior feel constrained.
Common phrases
se mettre dans l'embarras
get oneself into an awkward situation
provoquer l'embarras
cause embarrassment
ressentir de l'embarras
feel embarrassed
Similar words
gêne: A short-lived social discomfort that causes hesitation or bodily tension.
honte: A painful sense of shame about personal conduct or circumstances that leaves lasting remorse.
malaise: A distressing physical or mental condition marked by unease and agitation.
confusion: A bewildered state in which thoughts or circumstances cannot be organized clearly.
Definition in French
Sentiment de gêne ou de malaise ressenti en présence d'autrui, qui rend la conversation ou le comportement maladroit.
Word origin
The noun embarras is formed from embarrasser and ultimately reflects the idea of being barred or obstructed, which extended to difficulty in social interaction.
Usage tips
- In être dans l'embarras, embarras can also mean a difficult predicament, not only an awkward social moment.
Other meanings
- confusionnoun
- embarrassmentnoun
Related words
- embarrasserembarrassverb
- embarrasséembarrassedadjective