English–Korean

“awkward” in Korean

Korean

Also거북하다 (keobukada) · 난감하다 (nangamhada) · 무안하다 (muanhada)

Pronunciation

Romanizationeosaekada

Example

처음 만났을 때는 어색했어요.cheo eum man na sseul ttae neun eo sae kae sseo yo

It was awkward when we first met.

Illustration for 어색하다 (awkward)

How to say “awkward” in Korean

“Awkward” in Korean is 어색하다 (eosaekada).

Words, gestures, or an atmosphere that do not flow naturally, leaving people unsure how to act.

Full entry for 어색하다: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 어색하다

둘이 어색하게 웃으며 인사를 나눴어요.tu ri eo sae ka ge u seu myeo in sa reul na nwo sseo yo

The two exchanged greetings while smiling awkwardly.

Tips for using 어색하다

  • In conversation, this word is especially useful for describing a silence or meeting that suddenly feels hard to continue.

Other Korean words for “awkward”

그 농담 때문에 거북해요.keu nong dam ttae mu ne keo bu kae yo

That joke makes me feel awkward.

지금 상황이 정말 난감하네요.chi geum sang hwang i cheong mal nan gam ha ne yo

The situation right now is really awkward.

회의에서 농담이 안 통해서 모두가 무안해졌어요.hoe ui e seo nong da mi an tong hae seo mo du ga mu an hae jeo sseo yo

Everyone felt awkward because the joke fell flat at the meeting.

“awkward” in other languages