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B1 adjective 12 min read

Embaraçoso

Examples Embaraçoso in 30 Seconds
Explanation Embaraçoso in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the simplest use of 'embaraçoso' to describe a situation that is 'not good' or 'awkward'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'É embaraçoso' means 'It is embarrassing'. You might use it when you make a mistake in class or when you don't understand a word. It's a useful adjective to have in your basic toolkit for expressing how a situation feels. At this stage, just focus on the masculine singular form 'embaraçoso' and its basic meaning. Think of it as a step up from 'ruim' (bad). You can use it to describe a silence, a mistake, or a question. Remember to pronounce the 'ç' like an 's' and the final 'o' like a soft 'u'. Practice saying 'É muito embaraçoso' when something goes slightly wrong. This will help you start expressing social feelings in Portuguese early on. Don't worry about the difference between 'embaraçado' and 'embaraçoso' too much yet, but try to remember that 'embaraçoso' describes the *thing*, not you.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'embaraçoso' with more variety. You should begin to practice the feminine form 'embaraçosa' and the plural forms 'embaraçosos' and 'embaraçosas'. You can now use it to describe specific nouns, like 'uma situação embaraçosa' (an embarrassing situation) or 'um momento embaraçoso' (an embarrassing moment). You might use it when talking about your daily life, such as meeting someone new and forgetting their name. You can also start using adverbs like 'muito' (very) or 'um pouco' (a little) to modify it. For example, 'O jantar foi um pouco embaraçoso'. This level is about building your confidence in using the word in different social scenarios. You should also be aware that 'embaraçoso' is a formal word, and in Brazil, people might use 'mico' for very informal situations. Try to use 'embaraçoso' in your writing and speaking when you want to sound a bit more descriptive. Pay attention to the gender of the noun you are describing, as this is a common area for mistakes at this level.
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As a B1 learner, you should have a solid grasp of how to use 'embaraçoso' in various contexts. You can use it to describe more complex social dynamics, such as professional errors or social faux pas. You should understand the difference between 'embaraçoso' (the situation) and 'envergonhado' (the feeling). This is a crucial distinction at this level. You can use 'embaraçoso' to explain why you felt a certain way: 'Eu fiquei envergonhado porque a situação era embaraçosa'. You should also be comfortable using it in the superlative: 'O momento mais embaraçoso da minha vida'. At B1, you are expected to handle more nuanced conversations, and 'embaraçoso' helps you describe the friction in those interactions. You can also start using it with the preposition 'para' to say who the situation is embarrassing for, such as 'Isso é embaraçoso para a empresa'. Practice incorporating this word into your stories and anecdotes to make them more vivid and relatable. You should also be able to recognize it in news articles or more formal texts.
At the B2 level, you should use 'embaraçoso' with precision and ease. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, diplomatic tensions, or corporate scandals. You should be able to distinguish it from synonyms like 'constrangedor' (more intense) or 'vergonhoso' (more about shame). You can use it to talk about the 'clima' (atmosphere) of a room or the 'desfecho' (outcome) of an event. At this level, you should also be aware of the word's etymology and how it relates to other words in the same family, like 'embaraçar' (to hinder/tangle). This will help you understand more complex uses in literature. You can use 'embaraçoso' to analyze social situations in more depth, discussing the implications of an 'incidente embaraçoso' on a person's reputation. Your use of the word should be grammatically perfect, with correct gender and number agreement in all cases. You might also start to notice how the word is used in different Lusophone countries, noting any slight variations in frequency or context.
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At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'embaraçoso' in highly sophisticated ways. You can use it in academic essays, professional reports, or literary analysis. You might use it to describe the 'silêncio embaraçoso' as a narrative device in a novel or to discuss the 'implicações embaraçosas' of a new law. You should have a deep understanding of its connotations and be able to use it to create specific emotional effects in your writing. At this level, you can also use related terms like 'desconcertante' or 'perturbador' to provide even more nuance. You should be able to discuss the cultural differences in what is considered 'embaraçoso' in different Portuguese-speaking cultures. Your vocabulary should be rich enough to use 'embaraçoso' as one of many tools to describe social discomfort. You should also be able to use the verb 'embaraçar' and the noun 'embaraço' with total fluency, understanding their various meanings from 'obstacle' to 'shame'. Your speech and writing should reflect a natural, native-like command of this word and its surrounding semantic field.
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At the C2 level, you have mastered 'embaraçoso' and can use it with the same nuance and variety as a native speaker. You can use it to express irony, sarcasm, or deep social commentary. You might use it in a speech to downplay a major error or to highlight the absurdity of a situation. You are comfortable with all its literary and archaic uses, and you can play with the word's meaning in creative writing. You understand the historical development of the word and how its meaning has shifted over time. At this level, 'embaraçoso' is just one word in a vast repertoire of terms you use to describe the human experience. You can switch between formal and informal registers with ease, knowing exactly when to use 'embaraçoso' and when to opt for a more colloquial or technical term. You can also appreciate the word's use in poetry or complex prose, where its meaning might be stretched or layered. Your command of the word is absolute, and you use it to navigate even the most complex social and professional environments with confidence and grace.
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Examples

Embaraçoso in 30 Seconds

  • Used to describe awkward or embarrassing situations.
  • Matches gender and number: embaraçoso, embaraçosa, embaraçosos, embaraçosas.
  • Describes the event/thing, not the person's feeling (use envergonhado for feelings).
  • Common in both formal contexts (diplomacy) and informal stories.

The word embaraçoso is a powerful adjective in the Portuguese language, primarily used to describe situations, events, or moments that cause a sense of social discomfort, awkwardness, or shame. While it shares a root with the English word 'embarrassing', its application in Portuguese is nuanced. It describes the external circumstance rather than the internal feeling of the person (which would be 'envergonhado' or 'embaraçado'). When you find yourself in a situation where nobody knows what to say, or when a secret is revealed at the wrong time, you are facing an embaraçoso moment. It is the linguistic tool for navigating the complexities of social friction.

Social Context
This term is frequently used in formal and semi-formal settings to describe professional blunders or diplomatic gaffes. For instance, if a host forgets the name of a guest of honor, that is an incidente embaraçoso.
Emotional Weight
Unlike 'vergonhoso' (shameful), which implies a moral failing, 'embaraçoso' focuses on the awkwardness of the encounter. It suggests a lack of flow or a breakdown in social norms rather than a deep sin.

Houve um silêncio embaraçoso na sala após o comentário dele.

In everyday life, Portuguese speakers use this word to categorize anything from a clumsy physical fall in public to a misunderstanding in a romantic conversation. It is a versatile word that scales from minor hiccups to major public relations disasters. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it modifies the *thing* or the *situation*, not the person's state of mind directly. If you say 'Eu sou embaraçoso', you are saying you are an embarrassing person to be around, which is quite different from saying 'Estou embaraçado' (I am embarrassed/confused).

Esquecer o nome da noiva durante o brinde foi um momento embaraçoso.

The word also appears in literature and news reporting. When a politician makes a contradictory statement, the media often labels the situation as 'uma situação embaraçosa para o governo'. This highlights the loss of face and the difficulty of resolving the tension. It is a word that demands a resolution; an embarrassing situation is a knot that needs to be untied.

Colloquial Usage
In Brazil, you might hear people use the slang 'pagar mico' for doing something embarrassing, but 'embaraçoso' remains the standard adjective to describe the event itself.

A pergunta da criança foi bastante embaraçosa para os pais.

Finally, it is worth noting the suffix '-oso', which in Portuguese often indicates 'full of' or 'characterized by'. Thus, 'embaraçoso' is something full of 'embaraço' (hindrance, obstacle, or tangle). This etymological root helps us see that an embarrassing moment is literally a 'tangled' moment where social interaction has become knotted and difficult to navigate smoothly.

O vazamento das fotos foi um episódio embaraçoso para a celebridade.

Não há nada mais embaraçoso do que rir em um funeral.

Using embaraçoso correctly requires attention to two main things: grammatical agreement and its position relative to the noun. As an adjective, it must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes. For example, 'um erro embaraçoso' (a masculine singular mistake) vs 'várias situações embaraçosas' (multiple feminine plural situations). This flexibility allows you to describe a wide range of social phenomena.

Placement
In most cases, 'embaraçoso' follows the noun. Placing it before the noun ('um embaraçoso momento') is possible but sounds more poetic or literary, and is much less common in daily speech.

Foi um encontro embaraçoso porque eu não lembrava quem ela era.

One of the most common ways to use this word is with the verb 'ser' (to be) to make a general statement about an event. For instance, 'É embaraçoso admitir que eu falhei' (It is embarrassing to admit that I failed). Here, the word provides the emotional coloring for the entire clause. You can also use adverbs of intensity to modify it, such as 'muito' (very), 'extremamente' (extremely), or 'bastante' (quite).

A falha técnica durante a apresentação foi extremamente embaraçosa.

In formal writing, 'embaraçoso' is the preferred word for describing diplomatic or corporate setbacks. It sounds more professional than 'chato' (annoying/awkward) and more precise than 'ruim' (bad). For example, a company might issue a statement regarding an 'incidente embaraçoso com os dados dos clientes'. This usage frames the problem as a matter of social or professional standing.

Comparisons
You can use 'mais... do que' to compare situations: 'Este silêncio é mais embaraçoso do que o anterior'.

Eles tentaram evitar perguntas embaraçosas durante a coletiva de imprensa.

Lastly, consider the use of 'embaraçoso' in the plural to describe a series of events. 'Tivemos alguns momentos embaraçosos na viagem' suggests a comedy of errors. The word acts as a summary of the social atmosphere. It is also common to see it in the superlative form: 'O momento mais embaraçoso da minha vida'.

O resultado do jogo foi embaraçoso para o time favorito.

Aquele comentário sobre o peso dela foi muito embaraçoso.

In the real world of Lusophone cultures, embaraçoso appears in diverse contexts, from the gossip columns of magazines to the serious analysis of political analysts. If you are watching a Brazilian telenovela, you might hear a character describe a failed romantic encounter as 'um encontro embaraçoso'. In this context, it conveys the feeling of wanting the earth to swallow you whole. It's a staple of drama and comedy alike, as both genres rely heavily on social friction.

In the Media
News anchors use it to describe diplomatic mistakes. For example, 'O presidente cometeu um erro embaraçoso ao trocar o nome do país vizinho'. It signals a breach of protocol.
Podcasts and Interviews
In conversational podcasts, guests often share 'histórias embaraçosas' from their past. It is a common prompt for storytelling and building rapport with the audience.

A situação tornou-se embaraçosa quando os dois ex-namorados se encontraram no elevador.

You will also hear it in professional environments. During a meeting, if a presentation file won't open, the speaker might say, 'Peço desculpas por este atraso embaraçoso'. Here, it serves as a polite way to acknowledge the awkwardness and apologize for the technical failure. It validates the shared feeling of the room, which often helps to diffuse the tension. In the workplace, 'embaraçoso' is a more sophisticated way to say 'awkward' than the more common 'estranho'.

Foi embaraçoso ver que ninguém apareceu na festa de inauguração.

Social media is another place where this word thrives. Influencers often post videos with titles like 'Meus momentos mais embaraçosos'. The word acts as a hook to attract viewers who enjoy 'cringe' content. In this digital age, 'embaraçoso' has become synonymous with the feeling of 'cringe' that is so prevalent in online culture. It describes the voyeuristic discomfort of watching someone else fail socially.

Literature and Arts
Authors use the word to describe the inner turmoil of characters who are out of place. A character might feel that their very presence in a high-society ballroom is 'embaraçosa'.

O silêncio que se seguiu à pergunta foi extremamente embaraçoso.

In summary, 'embaraçoso' is a word for the friction points of human interaction. Whether it's a slip of the tongue, a social faux pas, or a technical glitch, this adjective captures the essence of that collective 'oops' feeling. It is a word that bridges the gap between private shame and public acknowledgment, making it an essential part of any Portuguese learner's vocabulary.

É embaraçoso quando você acena para alguém que não te conhece.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Portuguese is confusing the adjective embaraçoso with the state of being 'embarrassed'. In English, you can say 'I am embarrassing' (meaning you cause embarrassment) or 'I am embarrassed' (meaning you feel embarrassment). In Portuguese, these are two different words. 'Eu sou embaraçoso' means you are a person who causes awkwardness, whereas 'Eu estou envergonhado' or 'Eu estou embaraçado' means you feel the emotion. Confusing these can lead to very different meanings than intended.

Spanish Interference
A classic 'false friend' alert for those who know Spanish: in Spanish, 'embarazada' means pregnant. In Portuguese, 'embaraçada' usually means embarrassed or tangled (like hair), but NEVER pregnant (which is 'grávida'). Using 'embaraçoso' to mean 'pregnant-like' is a major error.

Erro: Eu estou embaraçoso. Correto: Eu estou envergonhado.

Another common mistake involves the gender and number agreement. Because 'embaraçoso' ends in '-o', learners sometimes forget to change it to '-a' for feminine nouns. You will often hear students say 'uma situação embaraçoso', which is incorrect; it must be 'uma situação embaraçosa'. Similarly, the plural 'embaraçosos' or 'embaraçosas' must be used when describing multiple items. Neglecting this agreement is a hallmark of beginner speech.

Erro: Situações embaraçoso. Correto: Situações embaraçosas.

Learners also tend to overuse 'embaraçoso' when other words might be more appropriate. For example, if something is truly shameful or disgraceful, 'vergonhoso' is the better choice. If something is just slightly awkward or weird, 'estranho' might suffice. Using 'embaraçoso' for a major moral scandal can sometimes sound like an understatement, making the speaker seem less serious about the issue than they should be.

Preposition Pitfalls
When saying something is embarrassing *for* someone, use the preposition 'para'. Example: 'É embaraçoso para mim'. Avoid using 'a' or 'com' in this specific structure.

Foi um momento embaraçoso para todos os presentes.

Finally, pronunciation can be a hurdle. The 'z' sound of the 's' in '-oso' (/o-zu/) is important. If you pronounce it with a hard 's' sound like in 'snake', it won't sound natural. Also, the first 'o' in 'embaraçoso' is closed, while in 'embaraçosa' it can be open or closed depending on the regional accent, but the 'ç' always sounds like an 's'. Mastering these phonetic details will help you avoid 'embaraçoso' pronunciation mistakes!

While embaraçoso is a versatile word, the Portuguese language offers several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. Depending on the intensity of the awkwardness or the specific nature of the situation, you might choose a different adjective to better convey your meaning. Understanding these subtle differences is key to reaching an advanced level of fluency.

Constrangedor
This is perhaps the closest synonym. However, 'constrangedor' often implies a stronger sense of physical or social pressure. It comes from 'constranger' (to constrain). An 'embaraçoso' moment is awkward; a 'constrangedor' moment is so awkward you feel like you can't move or speak.
Vergonhoso
This means 'shameful'. It is used for situations that involve a moral failure or a serious loss of dignity. Losing a game 7-1 might be 'vergonhoso', while tripping on the field is merely 'embaraçoso'.

A situação foi tão constrangedora que ninguém conseguiu olhar para ele.

For more informal contexts, especially in Brazil, you will encounter the word 'chato'. While it primarily means 'annoying' or 'boring', it is frequently used to describe awkward social situations. 'Que clima chato!' (What an awkward atmosphere!) is a very common expression. Another informal Brazilian term is 'mico', used as a noun: 'Que mico!' (How embarrassing/What a blunder!).

Passar por aquele corredor estreito com tanta gente foi desconfortável.

In a more academic or literary setting, you might use 'perturbador' (disturbing) or 'desconcertante' (disconcerting). These words suggest that the situation has thrown someone off their balance or disrupted their train of thought. 'Desconcertante' is particularly useful for describing a question or a look that makes you lose your composure.

Comparisons at a Glance
- Embaraçoso: Socially awkward/clumsy.
- Constrangedor: Deeply uncomfortable/unbearable.
- Vergonhoso: Morally wrong/dishonorable.
- Estranho: Just weird or unusual.

Foi uma pergunta desconcertante, mas ele respondeu bem.

Finally, the word 'delicado' (delicate) is often used as a euphemism for 'embaraçoso'. If a situation is 'uma questão delicada', it often means it's something potentially embarrassing that needs to be handled with care. Using 'delicado' can help you navigate socially sensitive topics without being too blunt.

A demissão do diretor criou um clima pesado no escritório.

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Examples by Level

1

É um momento embaraçoso.

It is an embarrassing moment.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adjective structure.

2

O silêncio é embaraçoso.

The silence is embarrassing.

Adjective 'embaraçoso' describes the noun 'silêncio'.

3

Foi um erro embaraçoso.

It was an embarrassing mistake.

Past tense of 'ser' (foi).

4

A pergunta é embaraçosa.

The question is embarrassing.

Feminine agreement: 'pergunta' (fem) -> 'embaraçosa'.

5

Não é embaraçoso para mim.

It is not embarrassing for me.

Use of 'para' to indicate the person affected.

6

Tudo é muito embaraçoso.

Everything is very embarrassing.

Use of 'muito' as an intensifier.

7

O meu nome é embaraçoso?

Is my name embarrassing?

Interrogative sentence structure.

8

Este vídeo é embaraçoso.

This video is embarrassing.

Demonstrative 'este' matching masculine 'vídeo'.

1

A situação ficou muito embaraçosa ontem.

The situation became very embarrassing yesterday.

Verb 'ficar' used to describe a change in state.

2

Eu tive um encontro embaraçoso no shopping.

I had an embarrassing encounter at the mall.

Use of 'ter' to describe having an experience.

3

Eles fazem perguntas embaraçosas o tempo todo.

They ask embarrassing questions all the time.

Plural agreement: 'perguntas' -> 'embaraçosas'.

4

Foi embaraçoso esquecer o presente dela.

It was embarrassing to forget her gift.

Infinitive 'esquecer' as the subject of the sentence.

5

Esta roupa é um pouco embaraçosa.

This outfit is a bit embarrassing.

Adverbial phrase 'um pouco' to soften the adjective.

6

Nós passamos por um momento embaraçoso na viagem.

We went through an embarrassing moment on the trip.

Verb 'passar por' meaning 'to go through/experience'.

7

O comentário dele foi bastante embaraçoso.

His comment was quite embarrassing.

Use of 'bastante' as an intensifier.

8

É embaraçoso admitir que eu não sei cozinhar.

It's embarrassing to admit that I don't know how to cook.

Dummy subject 'É' followed by adjective and infinitive.

1

O silêncio que se seguiu foi extremamente embaraçoso.

The silence that followed was extremely embarrassing.

Relative clause 'que se seguiu' adding detail.

2

Evite falar sobre política para não criar um clima embaraçoso.

Avoid talking about politics so as not to create an embarrassing atmosphere.

Negative purpose clause 'para não + infinitive'.

3

Foi o momento mais embaraçoso da minha carreira profissional.

It was the most embarrassing moment of my professional career.

Superlative construction 'o mais ... de'.

4

Ela tentou rir para disfarçar a situação embaraçosa.

She tried to laugh to hide the embarrassing situation.

Infinitive 'disfarçar' meaning 'to disguise/hide'.

5

É embaraçoso quando os pais mostram fotos de infância.

It is embarrassing when parents show childhood photos.

Subordinate clause starting with 'quando'.

6

O erro técnico causou um atraso embaraçoso no início do show.

The technical error caused an embarrassing delay at the start of the show.

Noun 'atraso' modified by 'embaraçoso'.

7

Não há nada mais embaraçoso do que errar o nome de alguém.

There is nothing more embarrassing than getting someone's name wrong.

Comparative 'mais ... do que'.

8

A empresa enfrenta uma situação embaraçosa após o vazamento.

The company faces an embarrassing situation after the leak.

Verb 'enfrentar' (to face) in the present tense.

1

O diplomata cometeu um deslize embaraçoso durante o banquete.

The diplomat made an embarrassing slip during the banquet.

Use of 'deslize' (slip/gaffe).

2

Seria embaraçoso se ninguém aparecesse na sua festa.

It would be embarrassing if nobody showed up to your party.

Conditional 'seria' and imperfect subjunctive 'aparecesse'.

3

A revelação dos dados foi embaraçosa para o conselho de administração.

The revelation of the data was embarrassing for the board of directors.

Abstract noun 'revelação' as the subject.

4

Ele se viu em uma posição embaraçosa entre os dois amigos.

He found himself in an embarrassing position between the two friends.

Reflexive verb 'ver-se' (to find oneself).

5

O resultado da auditoria revelou detalhes embaraçosos.

The audit result revealed embarrassing details.

Plural masculine agreement: 'detalhes' -> 'embaraçosos'.

6

A falta de resposta do governo é, no mínimo, embaraçosa.

The government's lack of response is, at the very least, embarrassing.

Parenthetical expression 'no mínimo'.

7

Eles tentaram minimizar o incidente embaraçoso com uma nota oficial.

They tried to minimize the embarrassing incident with an official note.

Infinitive 'minimizar' (to minimize).

8

Aquelas fotos antigas são embaraçosas agora que sou famoso.

Those old photos are embarrassing now that I am famous.

Causal clause 'agora que'.

1

A contradição nos depoimentos gerou um impasse embaraçoso.

The contradiction in the testimonies created an embarrassing deadlock.

Use of 'impasse' (deadlock/stalemate).

2

O autor descreve com maestria o clima embaraçoso daquela reunião.

The author masterfully describes the embarrassing atmosphere of that meeting.

Adverbial phrase 'com maestria'.

3

Houve uma tentativa embaraçosa de justificar o injustificável.

There was an embarrassing attempt to justify the unjustifiable.

Noun 'injustificável' used as a substantive.

4

A obsolescência do sistema tornou-se embaraçosa para a tech.

The system's obsolescence became embarrassing for the tech company.

Noun 'obsolescência' (obsolescence).

5

O silêncio embaraçoso foi quebrado por um riso nervoso.

The embarrassing silence was broken by a nervous laugh.

Passive voice 'foi quebrado'.

6

É embaraçoso constatar a falta de preparo de alguns líderes.

It is embarrassing to note the lack of preparation of some leaders.

Infinitive 'constatar' (to note/observe).

7

A situação é tão embaraçosa que beira o ridículo.

The situation is so embarrassing that it borders on the ridiculous.

Consecutive clause 'tão ... que'.

8

O escândalo deixou a instituição em uma situação embaraçosa.

The scandal left the institution in an embarrassing situation.

Verb 'deixar' (to leave/render).

1

A simbiose entre o cômico e o embaraçoso define sua obra.

The symbiosis between the comic and the embarrassing defines his work.

Substantive use of adjectives 'o cômico' and 'o embaraçoso'.

2

Seria embaraçoso negligenciar as nuances deste tratado.

It would be embarrassing to neglect the nuances of this treaty.

Infinitive 'negligenciar' (to neglect).

3

O desfecho embaraçoso da ópera foi criticado pela imprensa.

The embarrassing outcome of the opera was criticized by the press.

Noun 'desfecho' (outcome/ending).

4

A prolixidade do discurso tornou a cerimônia embaraçosa.

The prolixity of the speech made the ceremony embarrassing.

Noun 'prolixidade' (wordiness).

5

Aquele lapso de memória foi particularmente embaraçoso.

That memory lapse was particularly embarrassing.

Noun 'lapso' (lapse/slip).

6

O teor embaraçoso das mensagens vazadas abalou o mercado.

The embarrassing content of the leaked messages shook the market.

Noun 'teor' (content/tenor).

7

Não se pode ignorar o caráter embaraçoso de tais alegações.

One cannot ignore the embarrassing nature of such allegations.

Impersonal 'se' with 'poder'.

8

A peça explora o embaraçoso cotidiano das relações humanas.

The play explores the embarrassing everyday nature of human relations.

Adjective 'embaraçoso' modifying the noun 'cotidiano'.

Common Collocations

silêncio embaraçoso
momento embaraçoso
situação embaraçosa
pergunta embaraçosa
erro embaraçoso
detalhe embaraçoso
incidente embaraçoso
atraso embaraçoso
encontro embaraçoso
clima embaraçoso

Common Phrases

Que embaraçoso!

— How embarrassing! Used as a

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