French Conversation · Level 154
30 words
French word
gêne
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒɛn/
Meaning
- feminine nounawkwardness
Example
Sa blague a provoqué de la gêne parmi les invités.
Her joke caused awkwardness among the guests.
More examples
Cette question a été une source de gêne pendant la réunion.
This question was a source of embarrassment during the meeting.
Core concept
A person caught between speaking and holding back, with the exchange becoming stiff.
Common phrases
ressentir de la gêne
feel embarrassed
source de gêne
source of embarrassment
Similar words
embarras: Embarrassment caused by not knowing how to behave in a situation.
honte: Intense shame about one's actions or faults.
malaise: Unease or distress affecting the mind or body.
inconfort: Physical discomfort that makes movement or posture difficult.
Definition in French
Sensation d'embarras ou de malaise social qui rend la communication ou le comportement moins naturel et provoque une retenue.
Word origin
The noun gêne shares its history with gêner and grew from an earlier idea of hindrance or constraint to describe an inner obstacle during social contact.
Usage tips
- Être gêné(e) commonly expresses personal embarrassment, while la gêne names the resulting state or atmosphere.