gênant(e)
(xxxxx)
If you are looking for how to say “awkward” in French or want to use the word in social, emotional, or physical contexts, here are the correct terms and how to use them.
The French word for awkward
There is no single direct translation for “awkward” in all contexts. Depending on the situation, different French words are used:
Socially awkward or embarrassing
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gênant (masculine)
-
gênante (feminine)
= awkward, embarrassing, uncomfortable
Example:
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La situation était vraiment gênante.
(The situation was really awkward.)
Physically awkward or clumsy
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maladroit (masculine)
-
maladroite (feminine)
= awkward, clumsy
Example:
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Il est un peu maladroit avec ses mains.
(He’s a bit awkward with his hands.)
Emotionally uncomfortable or tense
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embarrassant / embarrassante = embarrassing
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délicat / délicate = sensitive, tricky
Related expressions
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moment gênant = awkward moment
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silence gênant = awkward silence
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réaction maladroite = awkward reaction
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position inconfortable = uncomfortable/awkward position
10 usage examples with translations
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C’était un moment très gênant pour tout le monde.
—It was a very awkward moment for everyone. -
Il y a eu un long silence gênant après sa remarque.
—There was a long awkward silence after his comment. -
Elle se sent toujours un peu maladroite en public.
—She always feels a bit awkward in public. -
Ce geste maladroit a tout gâché.
—That awkward gesture ruined everything. -
Il ne savait pas quoi dire, c’était embarrassant.
—He didn’t know what to say, it was awkward. -
Je suis désolé, ma question était peut-être gênante.
—I’m sorry, my question may have been awkward. -
Cette position est inconfortable pour dormir.
—This position is awkward for sleeping. -
Elle a fait une tentative maladroite de s’excuser.
—She made an awkward attempt to apologize. -
C’est une situation délicate, il faut être prudent.
—It’s an awkward situation, we need to be careful. -
Il a donné une réponse gênante devant tout le monde.
—He gave an awkward answer in front of everyone.