embarras
A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.
Embarras describes both the internal feeling of social awkwardness and the external state of being obstructed.
Palavra em 30 segundos
- A feeling of social awkwardness or confusion.
- Can also refer to a physical obstruction or traffic jam.
- Commonly used to describe hesitation or delicate situations.
Summary
Embarras describes both the internal feeling of social awkwardness and the external state of being obstructed.
- A feeling of social awkwardness or confusion.
- Can also refer to a physical obstruction or traffic jam.
- Commonly used to describe hesitation or delicate situations.
Use with the verb être
To express your current state, say 'Je suis embarrassé'. It is the most natural way to show you feel awkward.
Do not confuse with shame
Don't use 'embarras' if you mean deep shame or guilt. Use 'honte' for serious moral issues.
French social etiquette
In France, admitting a small 'embarras' is often seen as humble. It shows you are aware of social norms.
Exemplos
4 de 4Il a montré un certain embarras en répondant à la question.
He showed some embarrassment when answering the question.
Les travaux causent un grand embarras pour la circulation.
The roadworks are causing a major traffic obstruction.
Je suis dans l'embarras, peux-tu m'aider ?
I'm in a bind, can you help me?
L'auteur exprime son embarras face à cette théorie complexe.
The author expresses his difficulty with this complex theory.
Família de palavras
Dica de memorização
Think of an 'embarrassing bar' where you trip over the entrance. The physical obstacle and the social awkwardness are both captured by the word.
Aperçu
Le mot 'embarras' est un terme polyvalent en français. Il exprime à la fois un état psychologique (la gêne) et une situation matérielle (un obstacle). Comprendre ce mot est essentiel car il décrit des moments courants de la vie quotidienne où l'on se sent mal à l'aise.
Modèles d'utilisation
On utilise souvent 'embarras' avec le verbe 'avoir' (avoir de l'embarras) ou 'causer' (causer de l'embarras). Il est fréquent de l'employer pour décrire une hésitation ou un manque de savoir-faire dans une interaction sociale.
Contextes courants
Dans un contexte social, l'embarras survient quand on fait une erreur en public ou quand on ne sait pas comment réagir à un compliment. Dans un contexte logistique, on parle d'un 'embarras de circulation' pour désigner des bouchons ou des obstacles sur la route.
Comparaison avec des mots similaires
Contrairement à la 'honte', qui est une émotion profonde liée à une faute morale, l'embarras est souvent plus léger et temporaire, lié à une maladresse ou une situation imprévue. Alors que la 'gêne' est très proche, 'embarras' porte une nuance supplémentaire d'obstacle ou de complication concrète.
Notas de uso
Embarras is a versatile noun used in both social and logistical contexts. It is standard in register, suitable for both professional and casual conversation. Avoid using it to describe deep psychological trauma.
Erros comuns
Learners often mistake it for 'shame'. Remember that 'embarras' is temporary and situational. Do not use it as an adjective; use 'embarrassé' instead.
Dica de memorização
Think of an 'embarrassing bar' where you trip over the entrance. The physical obstacle and the social awkwardness are both captured by the word.
Origem da palavra
Derived from the Spanish 'embarazar', meaning to obstruct or hinder. It evolved to include the psychological sense of being blocked or hindered in one's social behavior.
Contexto cultural
In French culture, 'embarras' is often linked to the importance of 'la tenue' (comportement). Being in an 'embarras' means you have lost your composure in a social setting.
Exemplos
Il a montré un certain embarras en répondant à la question.
everydayHe showed some embarrassment when answering the question.
Les travaux causent un grand embarras pour la circulation.
formalThe roadworks are causing a major traffic obstruction.
Je suis dans l'embarras, peux-tu m'aider ?
informalI'm in a bind, can you help me?
L'auteur exprime son embarras face à cette théorie complexe.
academicThe author expresses his difficulty with this complex theory.
Família de palavras
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
l'embarras du choix
spoilt for choice
être fort embarrassé
to be very confused or stuck
Frequentemente confundido com
Honte implies a deeper sense of guilt or moral failure. Embarras is lighter and usually social.
Gêne is very similar but can also mean physical discomfort or lack of money. Embarras is more focused on social awkwardness.
Padrões gramaticais
Use with the verb être
To express your current state, say 'Je suis embarrassé'. It is the most natural way to show you feel awkward.
Do not confuse with shame
Don't use 'embarras' if you mean deep shame or guilt. Use 'honte' for serious moral issues.
French social etiquette
In France, admitting a small 'embarras' is often seen as humble. It shows you are aware of social norms.
Teste-se
Complétez la phrase avec le mot correct.
Il a ressenti un grand ___ quand il a trébuché devant tout le monde.
Le contexte d'une chute en public crée un sentiment de gêne sociale.
Pontuação: /1
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasLa gêne est souvent un sentiment personnel de malaise, tandis que l'embarras peut aussi désigner une situation complexe ou un obstacle extérieur.
Oui, on parle d'embarras de circulation pour désigner des bouchons ou des rues bloquées. C'est un usage formel et administratif.
Oui, c'est un mot tout à fait correct et courant. Il n'est ni vulgaire ni trop soutenu.
On utilise le verbe 'être embarrassé' ou la locution 'être dans l'embarras'. Ces formes sont très naturelles à l'oral.
Gramática relacionada
Frases relacionadas
Vocabulário relacionado
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