French Conversation · Level 114
59 words
French word
gêné
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒɛne/
Meaning
- adjectiveembarrassed
Example
Il était gêné devant tout le monde.
He was embarrassed in front of everyone.
More examples
Il a l'air gêné quand on lui pose une question personnelle.
He looks embarrassed when someone asks him a personal question.
Core concept
A person caught in public attention, with natural movement and speech held back by self-conscious discomfort.
Common phrases
avoir l'air gêné
look embarrassed
gêné de
embarrassed about ___
Similar words
embarrassé: Feeling so embarrassed that speaking or acting becomes awkward.
mal à l'aise: Feeling uneasy, tense, and uncomfortable in a particular situation.
timide: Being shy and reserved around strangers or when receiving attention.
honteux: Feeling deep shame and guilt about one's own actions.
Definition in French
Qui éprouve de la gêne ou de l'embarras en présence d'autrui et n'arrive pas à agir naturellement.
Word origin
Gêné is the past participle of gêner; the verb's older sense of constraining or inconveniencing gave rise to this feeling of social constraint.
Usage tips
- In être gêné, the word often means embarrassed or uncomfortable, while avoir honte expresses stronger shame.