When you're learning Portuguese at an A2 level, you're starting to understand more nuanced feelings and actions. The verb embaraçar is a great example of this. It's often used when someone feels a bit awkward or ashamed in a social situation. Think about a time you might have stumbled over your words or made a small mistake – that's a feeling of being embaraçado. It can also mean to entangle something, like a fishing line, so it's good to keep both meanings in mind depending on the context.
When you embarrass someone, you make them feel awkward or ashamed. It's like when you accidentally trip in front of a crowd – that feeling is what embaraçar describes.
However, embaraçar can also mean to entangle, like when your headphones get all knotted up. So, depending on the context, it can refer to making someone feel awkward or literally getting something tangled.
§ What does "embaraçar" mean?
The Portuguese verb "embaraçar" is quite versatile and can be a bit tricky for English speakers because it doesn't have one direct, perfect translation. It generally means to embarrass, to entangle, or to make someone feel confused or awkward. The meaning you use depends entirely on the context.
§ When do people use "embaraçar"?
Portuguese speakers use "embaraçar" in various situations. Let's break down the common uses:
- Meaning 1: To embarrass / To make awkward
- This is perhaps the most common use. If you do something that makes someone feel ashamed, uncomfortable, or awkward, you "embaraça" them. It can be a strong feeling of shame or just a mild sense of awkwardness.
A pergunta do professor me embaraçou.
(The teacher's question embarrassed me. / The teacher's question made me feel awkward.)
Não quero te embaraçar na frente de todos.
(I don't want to embarrass you in front of everyone.)
- Meaning 2: To entangle / To tangle up
- This refers to physically tangling or intertwining something, like hair, a thread, or even a situation becoming complicated. Think of knots or things getting mixed up.
Tome cuidado para não embaraçar o fio do fone de ouvido.
(Be careful not to tangle the headphone cord.)
O vento embaraçou o meu cabelo.
(The wind tangled my hair.)
- Meaning 3: To obstruct / To hinder
- In some contexts, "embaraçar" can mean to create an obstacle or to hinder progress, often by making things complicated or confused.
A burocracia pode embaraçar o processo.
(Bureaucracy can hinder the process. / Bureaucracy can complicate the process.)
§ Key takeaway for "embaraçar"
The key to understanding "embaraçar" is to remember its core idea of creating a state of confusion, difficulty, or entanglement, either emotionally or physically. When you encounter it, look at the surrounding words to determine if someone is feeling awkward, if something is getting tangled, or if a situation is becoming complicated.
Here are a few more examples to help solidify your understanding:
Embaraçou-se com as palavras. (He got tangled/confused with his words. / He stammered.)
Não se embaraça facilmente. (He doesn't get embarrassed easily.)
Os galhos das árvores embaraçaram-se. (The tree branches got tangled.)
§ Mistakes people make with this word
The Portuguese verb "embaraçar" can be tricky because it has a couple of meanings that don't directly overlap with a single English word. This often leads to confusion for English speakers learning Portuguese. Let's break down the common pitfalls.
§ Mistake 1: Direct translation to "embarrass" (emotional sense)
Many learners, seeing "embaraçar," immediately think of the English word "to embarrass" in the sense of making someone feel ashamed or mortified. While "embaraçar" can mean to make someone feel awkward or confused, it's not the primary or most common verb for expressing deep embarrassment or shame. For that, Portuguese often uses other verbs or constructions.
- Wrong usage
- Eu embaracei minha mãe quando gritei na loja.
- Why it's wrong
- While a mother might feel awkward, this sentence implies a more profound sense of shame or mortification that "embaraçar" doesn't quite capture. It sounds a bit off to a native speaker in this context.
Instead, you would likely use:
- "Ficar com vergonha" (to be/become ashamed)
- "Deixar com vergonha" (to make someone feel ashamed)
- "Envergonhar" (to shame/embarrass deeply)
Eu deixei minha mãe com vergonha quando gritei na loja. (I made my mother feel ashamed when I yelled in the store.)
Sua pergunta me embaraçou um pouco. (Your question made me feel a bit awkward/confused.)
§ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "entangle" meaning
A very common and important meaning of "embaraçar" is to tangle, knot, or complicate something physically. This is often overlooked by learners focusing too much on the emotional sense.
- Correct usage (physical)
- Os fios do fone de ouvido sempre se embaraçam na minha bolsa.
Os fios do fone de ouvido sempre se embaraçam na minha bolsa. (The headphone wires always get tangled in my bag.)
Cuidado para não embaraçar o cabelo na escova. (Be careful not to tangle your hair in the brush.)
§ Mistake 3: Confusing it with "impedir" or "atrapalhar"
Because "embaraçar" can imply making a situation complicated or causing a hindrance, learners might sometimes use it when they actually mean to block, prevent, or get in the way of something. While there's a slight overlap in meaning (a tangle can hinder), it's not a direct synonym.
- "Impedir" (to prevent, to stop)
- "Atrapalhar" (to hinder, to disrupt, to bother)
- Wrong usage
- A burocracia embaraçou o processo.
- Why it's wrong
- While bureaucracy makes things complicated, "embaraçar" isn't the best fit here. "Atrapalhar" or "dificultar" would be more natural.
A burocracia atrapalhou o processo. (The bureaucracy hindered/disrupted the process.)
§ How to avoid these mistakes
- Context is King: Always consider the full sentence and what you're trying to express. Is it about physical tangling, mild social awkwardness, or deep shame?
- Learn with examples: Pay attention to how native speakers use "embaraçar" in real conversations and texts.
- Don't rely on one-to-one translation: Recognize that few words have perfect equivalents across languages. "Embaraçar" is a prime example of this.
By understanding these distinctions and practicing with varied examples, you'll become much more confident and accurate in your use of "embaraçar" in Portuguese.
How Formal Is It?
"A situação embaraçava o diplomata, que tentou manter a compostura. (The situation embarrassed the diplomat, who tried to maintain composure.)"
"Ele se embaraçou com as palavras e não conseguiu terminar a frase. (He got tangled up with the words and couldn't finish the sentence.)"
"Fiquei sem jeito quando minha mãe começou a contar minhas histórias de infância. (I felt awkward when my mom started telling my childhood stories.)"
"O menino ficou com vergonha de falar na frente de todos. (The boy felt shy/ashamed to speak in front of everyone.)"
"Eu passei a maior vergonha quando caí na frente de todo mundo. (I was super embarrassed when I fell in front of everyone.)"
مستوى الصعوبة
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أمثلة حسب المستوى
Não quero embaraçar-te com muitas perguntas.
I don't want to embarrass you with many questions.
Ele embaraçou-se ao falar em público.
He got embarrassed speaking in public.
A linha de pesca embaraçou-se na árvore.
The fishing line got entangled in the tree.
Ela embaraça-se facilmente.
She gets embarrassed easily.
Cuidado para não embaraçar os fios.
Be careful not to entangle the wires.
Ele tentou embaraçar a conversa.
He tried to complicate (or entangle) the conversation.
Fiquei embaraçado quando me esqueci do nome dela.
I was embarrassed when I forgot her name.
Não se embaraça com bobagens.
Don't get embarrassed by silly things.
Ele embaraça-se facilmente quando fala em público.
He gets embarrassed easily when speaking in public.
Não queria embaraçar a minha amiga com a minha pergunta.
I didn't want to embarrass my friend with my question.
A situação embaraçava-o, mas ele tentou manter a calma.
The situation was embarrassing him, but he tried to stay calm.
Os fios do fone de ouvido sempre se embaraçam na minha bolsa.
The earphone wires always get tangled in my bag.
Sinto que o meu cabelo embaraça muito depois de lavar.
I feel like my hair gets very tangled after washing.
Ele conseguiu embaraçar o assunto para evitar responder.
He managed to complicate (entangle) the matter to avoid answering.
A criança embaraçou-se na toalha depois do banho.
The child got tangled in the towel after the bath.
As cordas da pipa embaraçaram-se na árvore.
The kite strings got tangled in the tree.
Ele embaraçou-se com as palavras e não conseguiu terminar o discurso.
He got entangled with his words and couldn't finish the speech.
Reflexive verb 'embaraçar-se' meaning to get confused or tangled up.
Não queria embaraçar a minha amiga, então não contei a história.
I didn't want to embarrass my friend, so I didn't tell the story.
Transitive verb 'embaraçar' meaning to cause embarrassment.
A situação embaraçosa fez com que todos ficassem em silêncio.
The embarrassing situation made everyone silent.
Adjective 'embaraçosa' derived from the verb, describing a situation.
Os fios do fone de ouvido sempre se embaraçam na minha bolsa.
The headphone wires always get tangled in my bag.
Reflexive verb 'embaraçar-se' used for things getting tangled.
Fiquei embaraçado quando percebi que estava a usar meias diferentes.
I was embarrassed when I realized I was wearing different socks.
Past participle 'embaraçado' used as an adjective to describe a feeling.
A criança embaraçou o novelo de lã todo.
The child entangled the whole ball of yarn.
Transitive verb 'embaraçar' meaning to tangle something.
Ele tentou embaraçar a investigação com informações falsas.
He tried to complicate the investigation with false information.
Transitive verb 'embaraçar' meaning to complicate or hinder.
Não se embaraça com a opinião dos outros, seja você mesmo.
Don't get flustered by others' opinions, be yourself.
Reflexive verb 'embaraçar-se' used in an imperative, meaning to not get flustered or bothered.
Para evitar embaraçar os fios, é melhor organizá-los com abraçadeiras.
To avoid tangling the wires, it's better to organize them with cable ties.
A situação embaraçou-o tanto que ele não sabia onde se meter.
The situation embarrassed him so much that he didn't know where to hide.
Não queria embaraçar a colega com perguntas pessoais durante a reunião.
He didn't want to embarrass his colleague with personal questions during the meeting.
As teias de aranha podem embaraçar o cabelo se não tiveres cuidado.
Spiderwebs can entangle your hair if you're not careful.
A pergunta direta do professor embaraçou a aluna, que corou.
The teacher's direct question embarrassed the student, who blushed.
As raízes da árvore podem embaraçar os canos subterrâneos.
The tree's roots can entangle the underground pipes.
Ele tentou não embaraçar a família com os seus problemas financeiros.
He tried not to embarrass his family with his financial problems.
É fácil embaraçar-se com as regras complexas do jogo.
It's easy to get confused/entangled with the complex rules of the game.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Não queria te embaraçar.
I didn't want to embarrass you.
Ele se embaraçou todo com as palavras.
He got all tangled up with his words.
O vento embaraçou meu cabelo.
The wind tangled my hair.
A situação embaraçou os planos da viagem.
The situation complicated the travel plans.
Ele sempre tenta me embaraçar em público.
He always tries to embarrass me in public.
Os fios do fone de ouvido vivem se embaraçando.
The earphone wires keep getting tangled.
Aquela pergunta me embaraçou bastante.
That question embarrassed me a lot.
Não se embaraça com isso, é simples.
Don't get confused with that, it's simple.
A discussão embaraçou a reunião.
The discussion complicated the meeting.
Ele ficou embaraçado com o elogio.
He got embarrassed by the compliment.
يُخلط عادةً مع
While 'embaraçar' can sometimes translate to 'embarrass', it's not a direct one-to-one equivalent. Often, 'ficar com vergonha' or 'constranger' are better choices for the feeling of embarrassment.
This is a good translation for 'embaraçar' when referring to physical entanglement, like hair or string.
This can also be a meaning of 'embaraçar', particularly when referring to a situation becoming more difficult.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"Fazer alguém passar vergonha"
To make someone feel ashamed/embarrassed
Ele fez a irmã passar vergonha na frente dos amigos. (He made his sister feel ashamed in front of her friends.)
neutral"Ficar sem jeito"
To feel awkward/embarrassed
Fiquei sem jeito quando percebi que estava falando alto demais. (I felt awkward when I realized I was speaking too loudly.)
neutral"Queimar o filme"
To ruin someone's reputation, to embarrass someone (by doing something silly/bad)
Ele queimou o filme dele com aquela piada sem graça. (He ruined his reputation with that lame joke.)
informal"Passar por uma situação embaraçosa"
To go through an embarrassing situation
Passei por uma situação bem embaraçosa no trabalho. (I went through a very embarrassing situation at work.)
neutral"Não saber onde enfiar a cara"
To not know where to hide one's face (from embarrassment)
Fiquei tão constrangido que não sabia onde enfiar a cara. (I was so embarrassed I didn't know where to hide my face.)
informal"Cair em uma situação embaraçosa"
To fall into an embarrassing situation
Ele caiu em uma situação embaraçosa com os sogros. (He fell into an embarrassing situation with his in-laws.)
neutral"Pisar na bola"
To mess up, to make a mistake (often leading to embarrassment)
Pisei na bola na reunião e agora estou com vergonha. (I messed up in the meeting and now I'm ashamed.)
informal"Dar vexame"
To make a scene, to cause embarrassment (often by behaving badly)
A criança deu vexame no meio do restaurante. (The child made a scene in the middle of the restaurant.)
neutral"Sentir-se constrangido"
To feel constrained/embarrassed
Ela se sentiu constrangida com os olhares. (She felt embarrassed by the stares.)
neutral"Envergonhar-se"
To be ashamed, to embarrass oneself
Ele se envergonhou do próprio comportamento. (He was ashamed of his own behavior.)
neutralسهل الخلط
Often confused with the English word 'embarrass' due to similar spelling and sound, but it has a broader meaning in Portuguese.
While 'embaraçar' can mean to embarrass, it also frequently means to entangle or to complicate a situation. The feeling of embarrassment in Portuguese is often expressed with 'ficar com vergonha' or 'constranger'.
Eu me embaracei com o barbante. (I got tangled with the string.) / A situação embaraçou a reunião. (The situation complicated the meeting.) / Ele embaraçou o cabelo dela. (He tangled her hair.)
This is a closer direct translation for 'to embarrass' in the sense of making someone feel shame or humiliation, but 'embaraçar' is sometimes mistakenly used in this context.
'Envergonhar' directly refers to causing shame or embarrassment. It's about the feeling of 'vergonha' (shame).
Suas palavras me envergonharam. (Your words embarrassed me.)
Similar to 'envergonhar', 'constranger' also relates to making someone feel awkward or uncomfortable, which can be a result of embarrassment, but it's not the same as 'embaraçar'.
'Constranger' means to constrain, to make someone feel ill-at-ease, or to put them in an awkward position. It implies a sense of discomfort or being forced into something uncomfortable.
Ele me constrangeu com a pergunta. (He made me uncomfortable with the question.)
One of the meanings of 'embaraçar' is to complicate, leading to potential confusion. However, 'complicar' is a more general term for making something complex.
'Complicar' specifically means to make something more complex or difficult. 'Embaraçar' can imply this, but it also carries the nuance of getting tangled or creating an awkward situation.
Não complique as coisas. (Don't complicate things.)
This word specifically means to interlace or intertwine, which is similar to the 'entangle' meaning of 'embaraçar' but without the connotation of difficulty or awkwardness.
'Entrelaçar' is about weaving or twisting things together, often in a neat or decorative way. 'Embaraçar' implies a messy or problematic entanglement.
Eles entrelaçaram os dedos. (They intertwined their fingers.)
كيفية الاستخدام
When you want to say “to embarrass” in Portuguese, a very common and direct translation is embaraçar. It means to cause someone to feel ashamed, awkward, or confused. It’s also used in the sense of tangling something up, like yarn or hair.
A common mistake is confusing embaraçar with emabarassing in English, which refers to the feeling. In Portuguese, to feel embarrassed, you would typically use reflexives like ficar embaraçado(a) or sentir-se embaraçado(a). For example, 'I felt embarrassed' would be 'Eu fiquei embaraçado(a).' Do not say 'Eu embaraço' to mean 'I feel embarrassed,' as that would mean 'I embarrass [someone or something].'
نصائح
False Friend Alert!
Be careful! 'Embaraçar' looks like 'to embarrass' in English, and it *can* mean that, but its most common meaning is 'to entangle' or 'to complicate'. Context is key.
Common Usage: Entanglement
You'll often hear 'embaraçar' when talking about things getting tangled. Think about earphones, hair, or fishing lines. E.g., 'Os fones de ouvido se embaraçaram.' (The headphones got tangled.)
Common Usage: Embarrassment (reflexive)
When someone feels embarrassed, we often use the reflexive form: 'se embaraçar'. E.g., 'Ele se embaraçou com a pergunta.' (He got embarrassed by the question.)
Different from 'Envergonhar'
While 'embaraçar' can mean to embarrass, 'envergonhar' is often a stronger word for causing someone to feel shame or deep embarrassment. 'Envergonhar' implies a more profound sense of shame, whereas 'embaraçar' is more about feeling awkward or confused.
Using 'Embaraçar' for Confusion
You can also use 'embaraçar' to describe something that confuses or complicates a situation. E.g., 'As novas regras embaraçaram o processo.' (The new rules complicated the process.)
Past Participle: 'Embaraçado'
The past participle 'embaraçado' is very common. It means 'tangled' or 'embarrassed/awkward'. E.g., 'Estou embaraçado.' (I am embarrassed/awkward.) or 'O cabelo dela estava embaraçado.' (Her hair was tangled.)
Contextual Clues
Always pay attention to the context. If the sentence is about physical objects, it's likely 'tangle'. If it's about feelings, it's more likely 'embarrassment' or 'awkwardness'.
Practice Sentences
Try forming your own sentences using both meanings. For example: 'A linha de pesca embaraçou.' (The fishing line got tangled.) 'Fiquei embaraçado quando caí.' (I got embarrassed when I fell.)
Similar English Words
Think of English words like 'tangle', 'snarl', 'complicate', 'fluster', or 'make awkward' to grasp the different nuances of 'embaraçar'.
Listen to Natives
The best way to get a feel for 'embaraçar' is to listen to how native Portuguese speakers use it in different situations. Pay attention to their tone and the surrounding words.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلة'Embaraçar' often means to confuse or complicate something, like a situation or a rope getting tangled. It can also mean to make someone feel awkward or flustered. 'Envergonhar', on the other hand, specifically means to make someone feel ashamed or truly embarrassed, usually due to a mistake or social gaffe. Think of it this way: 'embaraçar' is more about causing a temporary state of awkwardness or confusion, while 'envergonhar' is about causing a deeper feeling of shame.
Yes, you can! If you trip and fall in front of people and feel awkward or flustered by it, you could say, 'Eu me embaraço quando caio em público.' (I get embarrassed when I fall in public.) It perfectly captures that feeling of being a bit clumsy and self-conscious.
Not always directly negative, but it usually implies a situation that is inconvenient, confusing, or causes a mild discomfort. For example, if your hair gets tangled, that's not 'negative' in a bad way, but it's certainly 'embaraçoso' (entangling/awkward). When it refers to people, it means making them feel awkward or a bit flustered, which isn't a 'positive' feeling.
You would typically use the reflexive form: 'Eu me sinto embaraçado(a).' (I feel embarrassed.) Or, if something *makes* you embarrassed, you could say, 'Isso me embaraça.' (That embarrasses me.) Remember to match the gender if you're describing yourself: embaraçado for male, embaraçada for female.
Yes, in older or more informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'embaraçar' can sometimes be used to mean 'to make pregnant,' but this usage is less common and can be a bit old-fashioned or regional. The most common and widely understood meaning is still 'to embarrass' or 'to entangle.' It's better to use more direct terms like 'engravidar' for 'to get pregnant' or 'to make pregnant' to avoid confusion.
A perfect example is when you're dealing with something messy: 'Os fones de ouvido sempre embaraçam na minha bolsa.' (The headphones always get tangled in my bag.) Or, 'O novelo de lã embaraçou todo.' (The ball of yarn got all tangled up.)
Absolutely! You can use it to describe a situation that becomes complicated or difficult to resolve. For instance: 'A burocracia embaraçou o processo.' (The bureaucracy complicated/tangled up the process.) Or, 'As negociações se embaraçaram.' (The negotiations got complicated/entangled.)
The most common noun forms are 'embaraço' (embarrassment, entanglement, obstacle) and 'embaraçamento' (the act of entangling). For example, 'Senti um grande embaraço.' (I felt a great embarrassment/awkwardness.) Or, 'Houve um embaraçamento nos fios.' (There was an entanglement in the wires.)
One common expression is 'ter um embaraço de consciência', which means to have a moral dilemma or a troubled conscience. Another might be 'não se embaraçar com os detalhes', meaning not to get bogged down or entangled with the details.
Both Brazilian and European Portuguese use 'embaraçar' with similar meanings of 'to embarrass' or 'to entangle.' There isn't a significant difference in its common usage between the two variants. You'll hear and see it used regularly in both.
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I don't want to embarrass you.
He got tangled/confused with the words.
The fishing line can get entangled.
Read this aloud:
Não me embaraça!
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Você embaraçou o fio.
Focus: em-ba-ra-çou
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Ela embaraça as pessoas.
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça
قلت:
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Ele ficou _____ quando ela fez a pergunta difícil. (He got embarrassed when she asked the difficult question.)
The context implies a feeling of awkwardness or embarrassment due to a difficult question.
Não quero te _____ com minhas dúvidas. (I don't want to embarrass you with my doubts.)
The speaker expresses a desire not to cause discomfort or awkwardness to the other person.
Os fios do fone de ouvido costumam se _____. (The headphone wires usually get tangled.)
The common problem with headphone wires is that they get tangled.
A situação embaraçou a todos na sala. (The situation _____ everyone in the room.)
The verb 'embaraçar' is used here to describe the situation causing awkwardness or embarrassment to everyone.
Ela tentou desembaraçar o cabelo, mas estava muito _____. (She tried to untangle her hair, but it was very tangled.)
If she was trying to untangle her hair, it means it was in a tangled state.
Eu não queria _____ ele na frente dos amigos. (I didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friends.)
The speaker's intention is to avoid causing embarrassment or awkwardness to the person in a social setting.
Qual das frases a seguir usa 'embaraçar' corretamente para significar 'causar confusão ou constrangimento'?
A frase 'Eu não quero embaraçar você com muitas perguntas' significa que a pessoa não quer deixar a outra confusa ou constrangida com suas perguntas. As outras opções usam 'embaraçar' em outros sentidos, como emaranhar.
Se você se sente 'embaraçado' por causa de um erro, como você se sente?
Sentir-se 'embaraçado' por um erro significa sentir vergonha ou constrangimento. As outras opções são sentimentos positivos ou neutros.
Qual destas situações pode 'embaraçar' alguém?
Cair em público pode causar constrangimento e vergonha, que são sentimentos de estar 'embaraçado'. As outras situações são geralmente agradáveis ou neutras.
A palavra 'embaraçar' sempre significa fazer alguém se sentir feliz.
'Embaraçar' significa causar confusão, constrangimento ou vergonha, não felicidade.
Você pode 'embaraçar' seu cabelo, significando que ele fica emaranhado.
Sim, 'embaraçar' também pode significar emaranhar, especialmente usado para cabelos, linhas ou fios.
Dizer algo errado em público pode te 'embaraçar'.
Dizer algo errado em público pode causar vergonha e constrangimento, o que é o significado de 'embaraçar'.
The situation made me feel confused.
He tangled the headphone wires.
I didn't want to embarrass you with that question.
Read this aloud:
Essa música me embaraça sempre que a ouço.
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Por que você está tão embaraçado?
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça-do
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Não se embaraça com coisas pequenas.
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça
قلت:
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You saw a friend trip and fall. Write two sentences describing how you would feel and what you would do. Use 'embaraçar' in one of your sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu me senti embaraçado por ele. Eu o ajudaria a se levantar. (I felt embarrassed for him. I would help him get up.)
Write two sentences about a time you felt confused or awkward in a social situation. Use 'embaraçar' to describe your feeling.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Na festa, eu não conhecia ninguém e me senti um pouco embaraçado. Não sabia o que fazer. (At the party, I didn't know anyone and felt a little embarrassed. I didn't know what to do.)
Imagine you are trying to untangle some string or headphones. Write a sentence using 'embaraçar' to describe the difficulty.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Os fios dos fones de ouvido são sempre difíceis de desembaraçar, mas às vezes eles ficam muito embaraçados! (Headphone cords are always difficult to untangle, but sometimes they get very entangled!)
Como Ana se sentiu?
Read this passage:
Ana estava falando na frente da turma e esqueceu as palavras. Ela ficou vermelha e seus amigos viram. Ela se sentiu muito embaraçada por ter esquecido o que dizer.
Como Ana se sentiu?
O texto diz que 'Ela se sentiu muito embaraçada', indicando que ela estava sentindo vergonha ou constrangimento.
O texto diz que 'Ela se sentiu muito embaraçada', indicando que ela estava sentindo vergonha ou constrangimento.
O que o cachorro fez com os pés do homem?
Read this passage:
O cachorro pequeno correu e embaraçou os pés do homem com a coleira. O homem quase caiu, mas conseguiu manter o equilíbrio. Ele riu da situação.
O que o cachorro fez com os pés do homem?
O texto afirma que o cachorro 'embaraçou os pés do homem com a coleira', significando que ele enredou ou prendeu os pés do homem.
O texto afirma que o cachorro 'embaraçou os pés do homem com a coleira', significando que ele enredou ou prendeu os pés do homem.
Qual era o problema com os colares de Maria?
Read this passage:
Maria estava arrumando seus colares, mas eles estavam todos embaraçados. Ela passou muito tempo tentando separá-los. Era uma tarefa difícil.
Qual era o problema com os colares de Maria?
O texto diz que os colares 'estavam todos embaraçados', o que significa que estavam emaranhados e difíceis de separar.
O texto diz que os colares 'estavam todos embaraçados', o que significa que estavam emaranhados e difíceis de separar.
Ele ficou tão vermelho que parecia que ia se ___.
The context implies feeling awkward or ashamed, which 'embaraçar' fits perfectly. 'Embelezar' means to beautify, 'emagrecer' means to lose weight, and 'empolgar' means to get excited.
Não queria ___ a conversa, mas tive que perguntar.
Here, 'embaraçar' means to make the conversation awkward or difficult. 'Melhorar' means to improve, 'continuar' means to continue, and 'simplificar' means to simplify.
Os fios estavam tão ___ que demorou muito para desembaraçá-los.
This sentence uses the sense of 'embaraçar' meaning to entangle, so 'embaraçados' (entangled) is the correct form. 'Claros' means clear, 'limpos' means clean, and 'organizados' means organized.
A situação se tornou ___ quando ele começou a rir sem parar.
The action of laughing uncontrollably in an inappropriate situation makes it 'embaraçosa' (embarrassing). 'Divertida' means fun, 'clara' means clear, and 'fácil' means easy.
Tentei ajudar, mas acabei ___ mais a situação.
The phrase 'acabei' (I ended up) implies an unintended negative outcome. 'Embaraçando' (making more awkward/entangled) fits this context. 'Melhorando' means improving, 'facilitando' means facilitating, and 'resolvendo' means solving.
Não se preocupe em me ___; estou acostumado a perguntas diretas.
The speaker is assuring the other person not to worry about making them feel awkward or confused with direct questions. 'Agradar' means to please, 'elogiar' means to praise, and 'ignorar' means to ignore.
The situation always made him feel awkward when he had to speak in public.
She tried to untangle her hair, but it was very matted.
I didn't want to embarrass my friends with my questions.
Read this aloud:
Por que a situação o embaraça?
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça
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Read this aloud:
Você já se sentiu embaraçado em público?
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça-do
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Read this aloud:
Como você desembaraça um nó?
Focus: de-sem-ba-ra-ça
قلت:
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Imagine you accidentally spilled a drink on someone at a party. Describe how you would apologize and what you would do to help, focusing on how you might feel embarrassed. Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Peço mil desculpas! Fiquei tão embaraçado quando derramei a bebida em você. Posso ajudar a limpar? Que desastre!
You are telling a friend about a time you tried to explain something complicated to someone, but you ended up confusing them. Use 'embaraçar' to describe how the situation unfolded. Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu tentei explicar as regras do jogo, mas acho que só consegui embaraçar mais a situação. Ele ficou completamente confuso com minhas palavras. Devia ter sido mais simples.
Describe a hypothetical situation where someone's actions caused a lot of confusion or made things difficult for others. How did their actions 'entangle' the situation? Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
As novas regras do chefe conseguiram embaraçar todo o processo de trabalho. Ninguém sabia o que fazer e perdemos muito tempo. Foi uma complicação desnecessária.
O que as explicações dos colegas causaram?
Read this passage:
Ontem, na reunião, o diretor fez uma pergunta muito complexa. Vários colegas tentaram responder, mas suas explicações só conseguiram embaraçar ainda mais a discussão. Ninguém conseguiu chegar a uma conclusão clara.
O que as explicações dos colegas causaram?
A frase 'suas explicações só conseguiram embaraçar ainda mais a discussão' indica que as explicações tornaram a discussão mais confusa, não mais clara ou resolvida.
A frase 'suas explicações só conseguiram embaraçar ainda mais a discussão' indica que as explicações tornaram a discussão mais confusa, não mais clara ou resolvida.
Por que Maria se sentia embaraçada?
Read this passage:
Maria estava tão embaraçada com o seu novo corte de cabelo que não queria sair de casa. Ela achava que todos iriam rir dela. Sua amiga tentou convencê-la de que estava ótimo, mas Maria não se sentia confortável.
Por que Maria se sentia embaraçada?
O texto diz que Maria estava 'tão embaraçada com o seu novo corte de cabelo', o que diretamente liga seu embaraço ao corte de cabelo.
O texto diz que Maria estava 'tão embaraçada com o seu novo corte de cabelo', o que diretamente liga seu embaraço ao corte de cabelo.
O que causou o embaraço na cena do ensaio?
Read this passage:
Durante o ensaio da peça, um dos atores esqueceu suas falas e começou a gaguejar. Isso conseguiu embaraçar um pouco a cena, e o diretor precisou intervir para acalmar a situação. Todos ficaram um pouco tensos depois disso.
O que causou o embaraço na cena do ensaio?
A frase 'Um dos atores esqueceu suas falas e começou a gaguejar. Isso conseguiu embaraçar um pouco a cena' deixa claro que a ação do ator causou o embaraço.
A frase 'Um dos atores esqueceu suas falas e começou a gaguejar. Isso conseguiu embaraçar um pouco a cena' deixa claro que a ação do ator causou o embaraço.
This sentence means 'The situation started to embarrass me.' The order follows a common Portuguese sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Object.
This sentence means 'I don't want to embarrass you with my questions.' The negative 'Não' comes before the conjugated verb, and the indirect object 'você' comes after 'embaraçar'.
This sentence means 'Your actions can embarrass the whole team.' 'Podem' (can) is an auxiliary verb followed by the infinitive 'embaraçar'.
The situation made him feel very awkward.
I didn't want to embarrass my friend.
The headphone wires always manage to get tangled.
Read this aloud:
Tentei desenrolar o fio, mas ele estava muito embaraçado.
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça-do
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Ela ficou embaraçada quando todos a olharam.
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça-da
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Por que você se embaraça com coisas tão simples?
Focus: em-ba-ra-ça
قلت:
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Após o incidente no palco, o ator sentiu-se completamente _____, incapaz de continuar a apresentação.
A palavra 'embaraçado' significa que o ator sentiu-se envergonhado ou confuso após o incidente.
A complexidade da burocracia governamental pode _____ o andamento de qualquer projeto, por mais simples que seja.
Neste contexto, 'embaraçar' significa dificultar ou complicar o andamento do projeto.
Ele conseguiu _____-se da situação constrangedora com um gracejo, arrancando risadas da plateia.
'Desembaraçar-se' é o oposto de 'embaraçar-se', significando sair de uma situação difícil ou constrangedora.
Se alguém está embaraçado, significa que essa pessoa está se sentindo confortável e à vontade.
Estar embaraçado significa sentir-se envergonhado, confuso ou desconfortável.
A frase 'O emaranhado de fios embaraçou o maquinário' usa 'embaraçar' para indicar que os fios complicaram o funcionamento da máquina.
Correto, 'embaraçar' pode significar enredar ou complicar o funcionamento de algo.
É correto dizer que 'embaraçar' e 'desembaraçar' são sinônimos e podem ser usados indistintamente em qualquer contexto.
'Embaraçar' e 'desembaraçar' são antônimos, ou seja, têm significados opostos.
The situation was embarrassing him deeply, he didn't know how to react.
She entangled the headphone wires again, it's a nightmare to untangle.
I didn't want to embarrass our friend with personal questions.
Read this aloud:
Por que a verdade às vezes pode embaraçar as pessoas?
Focus: embaraçar
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Descreva uma situação em que algo ou alguém te embaraçou.
Focus: embaraçou
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Read this aloud:
Como evitar embaraçar os outros inadvertidamente?
Focus: inadvertidamente
قلت:
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You are writing a short story. A character, Maria, feels very awkward and confused after a public speaking incident. Describe her feelings and the situation using 'embaraçar' or its derivatives.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Após o incidente no palco, Maria sentiu-se completamente embaraçada. A situação a deixou tão confusa que ela mal conseguia formar frases coerentes, querendo apenas desaparecer da vista de todos.
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend who is trying to untangle a very complicated legal problem. Use 'embaraçar' in the sense of 'to entangle' or 'to complicate' to describe the problem.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu entendo que a questão legal está muito embaraçada agora, mas com paciência e um bom advogado, vocês conseguirão desvendar essa teia complicada de documentos e regulamentos.
Write a short paragraph for a blog post about common social faux pas. Include a sentence using 'embaraçar' to describe how one might inadvertently make others feel awkward.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
É surpreendente como pequenas gafes sociais podem embaraçar os outros, mesmo que a intenção não seja essa. Às vezes, um comentário inocente ou um gesto mal interpretado pode criar uma situação socialmente desconfortável para todos os envolvidos.
Qual é a principal consequência da postura da nova diretora?
Read this passage:
A nova diretora, com sua postura rígida e perguntas inesperadas, tinha o dom de embaraçar os funcionários mais experientes da equipe. As reuniões, que antes eram um espaço de colaboração, transformaram-se em sessões onde todos temiam ser o próximo a gaguejar diante de uma questão que parecia simples, mas que, sob seu escrutínio, revelava-se complexa e cheia de armadilhas. Ninguém sabia como se desvencilhar daquela atmosfera de constante tensão.
Qual é a principal consequência da postura da nova diretora?
O texto descreve que a diretora 'tinha o dom de embaraçar os funcionários mais experientes' e que as reuniões se tornaram tensas, onde todos temiam 'gaguejar', indicando constrangimento e confusão.
O texto descreve que a diretora 'tinha o dom de embaraçar os funcionários mais experientes' e que as reuniões se tornaram tensas, onde todos temiam 'gaguejar', indicando constrangimento e confusão.
O que o advogado estava tentando fazer no caso?
Read this passage:
O jovem advogado, em seu primeiro caso, tentou desatar o nó jurídico que seu cliente havia inadvertidamente embaraçado com uma série de decisões questionáveis. Cada nova evidência parecia adicionar outra camada de complexidade, tornando a tarefa de provar a inocência quase impossível. A reputação do escritório estava em jogo, e ele sentia o peso da responsabilidade em cada documento que analisava.
O que o advogado estava tentando fazer no caso?
O texto afirma que ele 'tentou desatar o nó jurídico que seu cliente havia inadvertidamente embaraçado', o que significa que ele estava tentando resolver ou desembaraçar um problema complicado.
O texto afirma que ele 'tentou desatar o nó jurídico que seu cliente havia inadvertidamente embaraçado', o que significa que ele estava tentando resolver ou desembaraçar um problema complicado.
Como Pedro se sentiu após derramar o vinho?
Read this passage:
Em um jantar formal, Pedro acidentalmente derramou vinho na convidada ao lado, causando um momento de silêncio constrangedor que pareceu durar uma eternidade. A situação o embaraçou profundamente, e ele sentiu o rosto queimar de vergonha. Tentou se desculpar, mas as palavras pareciam se prender em sua garganta, adicionando à sua aflição e à da pobre convidada, que também parecia querer desaparecer.
Como Pedro se sentiu após derramar o vinho?
O texto diz que 'A situação o embaraçou profundamente, e ele sentiu o rosto queimar de vergonha', indicando um forte sentimento de constrangimento e vergonha.
O texto diz que 'A situação o embaraçou profundamente, e ele sentiu o rosto queimar de vergonha', indicando um forte sentimento de constrangimento e vergonha.
The correct order forms a coherent sentence: 'The situation started to get entangled/awkward after he lied.'
This order creates the sentence: 'I didn't want to embarrass my friend with personal questions.'
The sentence in the correct order is: 'The earphone wires usually get tangled easily.'
Which of the following situations would most likely make someone feel 'embaraçado' due to an unexpected social faux pas?
To swap words during a formal speech would likely lead to feeling confused or awkward, which is a core meaning of 'embaraçar'. The other options describe positive or neutral situations.
In which context is 'embaraçar' used to describe a physical entanglement?
This sentence clearly refers to the physical tangling of earphone wires, directly illustrating the 'to entangle' meaning of 'embaraçar'. The other options use the word in a more abstract or metaphorical sense.
Which of the following phrases correctly uses 'embaraçar' to mean 'to make someone feel awkward or confused'?
Gossip can certainly damage a reputation and make someone feel awkward or confused about their standing, which aligns with the meaning of 'embaraçar'. The other options don't fit this specific nuance.
It is common to use 'embaraçar' when someone accidentally wears two different shoes to a formal event.
Wearing two different shoes to a formal event would undoubtedly cause embarrassment and confusion, making 'embaraçar' an appropriate verb to describe the feeling or situation.
If a complicated legal case is referred to as 'embaraçado', it means it has become simplified and easy to understand.
If a legal case is 'embaraçado', it implies it has become more complex, entangled, or difficult to resolve, not simplified.
The phrase 'Não se embaraça por pouca coisa' implies that someone is easily embarrassed by minor issues.
'Não se embaraça por pouca coisa' literally means 'Don't get embarrassed by little things,' or 'doesn't get easily flustered/embarrassed by minor issues,' suggesting resilience, not easy embarrassment.
The correct order forms a coherent sentence: 'The situation started to embarrass the speaker during the speech.'
This arrangement creates the sentence: 'She didn't want to embarrass her friends with her direct question.'
The sentence 'The headphone wires tend to get tangled easily' is formed by this order.
/ 96 correct
Perfect score!
False Friend Alert!
Be careful! 'Embaraçar' looks like 'to embarrass' in English, and it *can* mean that, but its most common meaning is 'to entangle' or 'to complicate'. Context is key.
Common Usage: Entanglement
You'll often hear 'embaraçar' when talking about things getting tangled. Think about earphones, hair, or fishing lines. E.g., 'Os fones de ouvido se embaraçaram.' (The headphones got tangled.)
Common Usage: Embarrassment (reflexive)
When someone feels embarrassed, we often use the reflexive form: 'se embaraçar'. E.g., 'Ele se embaraçou com a pergunta.' (He got embarrassed by the question.)
Different from 'Envergonhar'
While 'embaraçar' can mean to embarrass, 'envergonhar' is often a stronger word for causing someone to feel shame or deep embarrassment. 'Envergonhar' implies a more profound sense of shame, whereas 'embaraçar' is more about feeling awkward or confused.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات emotions
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
