Japanese word

きまり悪い

Pronunciation

Romajikimariwarui

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveembarrassed

Example

みんなの前で転んで、きまり悪いです。mi n na no mae de koro n de ki ma ri wari i de su

I fell in front of everyone, so I am embarrassed.

Illustration for きまり悪い (embarrassed)

More examples

会議で意見を言い間違えて、きまり悪いです。kai gi de i ken o i i ma chiga e te ki ma ri wari i de su

I misspoke during the meeting, so I am embarrassed.

Core concept

Describes feeling exposed and unable to feel at ease after a social mistake or uncomfortable situation.

Common phrases

  • きまり悪い思いをするki ma ri waru i omo i o su ru

    feel embarrassed

  • きまり悪い顔をするki ma ri waru i kao o su ru

    look embarrassed

Similar words

恥ずかしいhazukashii: Feeling shame or self-consciousness because of one's actions, appearance, or situation.
気まずいkimazui: Feeling uncomfortable when tension or an awkward silence makes social interaction difficult.
気恥ずかしいkihazukashii: Feeling shy or embarrassed when attention falls on oneself or a personal matter.

Definition in Japanese

人前で失敗したり不適切な振る舞いをしたりして、恥ずかしく落ち着かない気持ちになるさま。hito mae de ship pai shi ta ri fu teki setsu na fu ru ma i o shi ta ri shi te ha zu ka shi ku o chi tsu ka na i ki mo chi ni na ru sa ma

Word origin

The Japanese expression きまり悪い (kimariwarui) is formed from きまり (kimari, "social propriety or composure") and 悪い (warui, "bad"), giving the sense of social discomfort.

Usage tips

  • In English, ashamed often suggests guilt or moral fault, while this word also covers ordinary self-conscious awkwardness after a social mistake.

Other meanings

  • ashamedi-adjective
  • awkwardi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • きまり悪さkimariwarusaembarrassmentnoun

Word lists with this word