Dictionary
English - Japanese

Awkward

ˈɔkwərd
Very common
1000 - 1100
1000 - 1100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

気まずい (kimazui), 不器用 (bukiyou), ぎこちない (gikochinai), 不適切 (futekisetsu)

Awkward meanings in Japanese

気まずい (kimazui)

Example:
It was an awkward silence after the joke.
そのジョークの後は気まずい沈黙だった。
I felt awkward meeting her parents for the first time.
初めて彼女の両親に会ったとき、気まずく感じた。
Usage: informalContext: Social interactions where there is discomfort or tension.
Note: Used to describe uncomfortable social situations or feelings of embarrassment.

不器用 (bukiyou)

Example:
He is awkward at dancing.
彼はダンスが不器用だ。
She has an awkward way of speaking.
彼女は話し方が不器用だ。
Usage: informalContext: Describing physical clumsiness or lack of skill.
Note: This meaning often relates to physical actions or movements that are not smooth or graceful.

ぎこちない (gikochinai)

Example:
His movements were awkward during the presentation.
プレゼンテーション中の彼の動きはぎこちなかった。
The conversation felt awkward and forced.
その会話はぎこちなく、押し付けがましいと感じた。
Usage: informalContext: Referring to actions or interactions that feel unnatural or strained.
Note: Generally used in contexts where something feels stiff or not fluid, often in interactions or performances.

不適切 (futekisetsu)

Example:
His comment was awkward and inappropriate.
彼のコメントは不適切で気まずかった。
It was an awkward time to bring up that topic.
その話題を持ち出すには不適切な時だった。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Situations where something is unsuitable or ill-timed.
Note: Used in more serious contexts, such as discussing social norms or propriety.

Awkward's synonyms

uncomfortable

Uncomfortable means causing or feeling unease or awkwardness.
Example: She felt uncomfortable in the new social setting.
Note: Uncomfortable can imply a physical or emotional discomfort, while awkward tends to focus more on social situations.

embarrassing

Embarrassing refers to causing embarrassment or self-consciousness.
Example: His awkward dance moves were embarrassing to watch.
Note: Embarrassing specifically relates to situations that cause embarrassment, while awkward can refer to a broader range of uncomfortable situations.

clumsy

Clumsy describes a lack of skill or coordination, often resulting in awkwardness.
Example: She felt clumsy trying to juggle too many tasks at once.
Note: Clumsy emphasizes a lack of physical coordination, while awkward can encompass social discomfort as well.

inept

Inept means lacking skill or ability in a particular area, leading to awkwardness or incompetence.
Example: His inept handling of the situation made things even more awkward.
Note: Inept focuses on a lack of ability or skill, while awkward can also include a sense of social discomfort or embarrassment.

Awkward expressions, common phrases

Socially awkward

Refers to someone who is uncomfortable or clumsy in social situations.
Example: She's a brilliant scientist, but she can be socially awkward at parties.
Note: This phrase specifies that the awkwardness pertains specifically to social interactions.

Awkward moment

Describes a situation that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to handle.
Example: There was an awkward moment of silence after his joke fell flat.
Note: This phrase highlights a particular instance or period of discomfort.

Awkward position

Refers to being in a difficult or compromising situation.
Example: She found herself in an awkward position when her boss asked about her absence.
Note: This phrase emphasizes being in a challenging circumstance.

Awkward silence

Describes a moment when there is a lack of conversation, often leading to discomfort.
Example: The conversation came to an awkward silence when nobody knew what to say next.
Note: This phrase specifically points out the uncomfortable quietness in a situation.

Awkward encounter

Refers to an uncomfortable or embarrassing meeting or interaction.
Example: It was an awkward encounter running into my ex-boyfriend at the grocery store.
Note: This phrase highlights an uncomfortable meeting with someone.

Awkward dance

Describes a clumsy or uncoordinated dance, often leading to embarrassment.
Example: They attempted an awkward dance during the wedding reception, stepping on each other's toes.
Note: This phrase specifies the awkwardness within a dancing context.

Awkward situation

Refers to a circumstance that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or hard to deal with.
Example: It was an awkward situation when both candidates claimed credit for the project's success.
Note: This phrase emphasizes being in a challenging or uncomfortable circumstance.

Awkward everyday (slang) expressions

Cringe

To cringe means to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about something.
Example: Watching that movie made me cringe the whole time.
Note: While 'awkward' implies a lack of ease or social discomfort, 'cringe' specifically refers to a strong feeling of embarrassment or discomfort.

Weird

Used to describe something strange, eccentric, or unusual.
Example: The conversation took a weird turn when he started talking about aliens.
Note: Although both 'weird' and 'awkward' can convey an uncomfortable feeling, 'weird' suggests an element of strangeness or oddity.

Freaky

Describes something eerie, unsettling, or bizarre.
Example: His obsession with horror movies is a bit freaky.
Note: Unlike 'awkward,' 'freaky' has a connotation of being strange, unsettling, or even scary.

Offbeat

Refers to something unconventional or quirky.
Example: Her dry sense of humor is offbeat but hilarious.
Note: While 'awkward' suggests a lack of smoothness or social ease, 'offbeat' indicates something unconventional or quirky in a positive or interesting way.

Ridiculous

Describes something absurd, laughable, or deserving of mockery.
Example: The way he danced was just ridiculous.
Note: Unlike 'awkward,' 'ridiculous' conveys a sense of being unreasonable, absurd, or laughable, often in an exaggerated or humorous manner.

Blunder

Refers to a foolish or embarrassing mistake.
Example: His attempt to impress her with a magic trick turned into a blunder when the card disappeared.
Note: While 'awkward' can describe a general lack of ease, 'blunder' specifically refers to a mistake or error that is embarrassing or foolish.

Awkward - Examples

The conversation became awkward when they realized they had dated the same person.
I always feel awkward when I have to speak in public.
His awkward movements made it clear that he was not a dancer.

Awkward grammar

Awkward - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: awkward
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): awkward
Syllables, Separation and Stress
awkward Contains 2 syllables: awk • ward
Phonetic transcription: ˈȯ-kwərd
awk ward , ˈȯ kwərd (The red syllable is stressed)

Awkward - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
awkward: 1000 - 1100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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