French word

embarrasser

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃baʁase/

Meaning

  • verbembarrass

Example

Je ne veux pas t'embarrasser.

I don't want to embarrass you.

Illustration for embarrasser (embarrass)

More examples

Il ne voulait pas embarrasser quelqu'un en posant cette question.

He did not want to embarrass someone by asking that question.

Core concept

Someone is left exposed and unsure how to respond after another person's words or actions.

Common phrases

  • embarrasser quelqu'un

    embarrass someone

Similar words

gêner: To make someone uncomfortable through an action or situation.
mettre mal à l'aise: To make someone feel uneasy and uncomfortable through words or attitudes.
humilier: To deeply shame someone and hurt their self-respect.
troubler: To disturb someone's peace of mind and cause anxiety or agitation.

Definition in French

Mettre quelqu'un dans une situation gênante ou le faire sentir honteux par une parole ou une action.

Word origin

French forms embarrasser from embarras with the verb ending -er; embarras comes from Italian imbarazzo and denotes a difficulty or awkward situation.

Usage tips

  • Ne pas s'embarrasser de quelque chose means not to bother with or worry about something, rather than not to make someone feel ashamed.

Other meanings

  • botherverb
  • confuseverb

Opposites

  • rassurerreassureverb
  • mettre à l'aiseput someone at easeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word