gêner
To make (someone) feel embarrassed or awkward.
Gêner is a versatile verb covering both emotional embarrassment and physical obstruction.
Palavra em 30 segundos
- To make someone feel embarrassed or awkward.
- To physically obstruct or block someone.
- Used frequently to express polite social discomfort.
Summary
Gêner is a versatile verb covering both emotional embarrassment and physical obstruction.
- To make someone feel embarrassed or awkward.
- To physically obstruct or block someone.
- Used frequently to express polite social discomfort.
Use for physical and emotional discomfort
Remember that 'gêner' works for both a tight shoe and an awkward question. It is a very common way to express minor inconveniences.
Don't confuse with 'déranger'
While they overlap, 'déranger' is more about interrupting someone's schedule. 'Gêner' is more about the feeling of being in the way.
The French concept of 'gêne'
French social etiquette values not 'gêner' others. Using this word shows you are considerate of others' space and feelings.
Exemplos
4 de 4Désolé, je vous gêne ?
Sorry, am I bothering you?
Cette question m'a beaucoup gêné.
That question embarrassed me a lot.
Ne te gêne pas pour prendre un gâteau.
Don't be shy to take a cake.
Les nouvelles réglementations gênent le développement du projet.
The new regulations hinder the project's development.
Família de palavras
Dica de memorização
Think of the word 'gêne' as 'g-in-the-way'. If something is 'g-in' your way, it is 'gênant'!
Aperçu
'Gêner' est un verbe essentiel du quotidien français, utilisé pour exprimer une gêne émotionnelle ou une contrainte physique. Il traduit souvent le concept anglais de 'to bother', 'to embarrass' ou 'to get in the way'. 2) Modèles d'utilisation : Il s'utilise généralement avec un complément d'objet direct (gêner quelqu'un) ou de manière pronominale (se gêner). La forme 'se gêner' est très fréquente dans la négation pour exprimer la liberté d'agir. 3) Contextes courants : On l'utilise fréquemment pour s'excuser de déranger ('Désolé de vous gêner') ou pour décrire une situation sociale inconfortable ('Sa question m'a gêné'). Dans un cadre physique, il peut signifier bloquer le passage ('Cette chaise me gêne'). 4) Comparaison : Contrairement à 'déranger' qui implique souvent une interruption d'activité, 'gêner' insiste davantage sur le ressenti psychologique de malaise ou sur une obstruction physique concrète. La nuance entre les deux est subtile mais importante pour paraître naturel.
Notas de uso
Use 'gêner' when you feel you might be in someone's way physically or causing them social awkwardness. It is very common in polite phrases. In the negative 'ne pas se gêner', it takes on an idiomatic meaning of being bold or taking liberties.
Erros comuns
Students often use 'gêner' where they should use 'déranger' for simple interruptions. Another mistake is forgetting the circumflex accent on the 'e' (gêne). Ensure you use the correct object pronouns (me, te, le, la, nous, vous, les) before the verb.
Dica de memorização
Think of the word 'gêne' as 'g-in-the-way'. If something is 'g-in' your way, it is 'gênant'!
Origem da palavra
Derived from the Old French 'gehine' meaning torture or agony. Over time, the meaning softened from physical torture to mere social discomfort or obstruction.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'gêne' is central to French social interaction, where maintaining a certain level of discretion and not imposing oneself on others is highly valued. Saying 'Excusez-moi de vous gêner' is a standard social lubricant.
Exemplos
Désolé, je vous gêne ?
everydaySorry, am I bothering you?
Cette question m'a beaucoup gêné.
formalThat question embarrassed me a lot.
Ne te gêne pas pour prendre un gâteau.
informalDon't be shy to take a cake.
Les nouvelles réglementations gênent le développement du projet.
academicThe new regulations hinder the project's development.
Família de palavras
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Ne vous gênez pas
Feel free / Make yourself at home
Ça ne me gêne pas
I don't mind
C'est gênant
That's awkward
Frequentemente confundido com
Déranger is specifically for interrupting someone's peace or work. Gêner is broader, covering embarrassment and physical obstruction.
Embarrasser is a stronger, more formal synonym for feeling shy or awkward. Gêner is used more frequently in daily conversation.
Padrões gramaticais
Use for physical and emotional discomfort
Remember that 'gêner' works for both a tight shoe and an awkward question. It is a very common way to express minor inconveniences.
Don't confuse with 'déranger'
While they overlap, 'déranger' is more about interrupting someone's schedule. 'Gêner' is more about the feeling of being in the way.
The French concept of 'gêne'
French social etiquette values not 'gêner' others. Using this word shows you are considerate of others' space and feelings.
Teste-se
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte.
Pardon, est-ce que je vous ___ ?
Il s'agit du présent de l'indicatif à la première personne du singulier.
Choisissez la bonne interprétation.
Que veut dire 'Ne vous gênez pas' ?
C'est une invitation à se sentir à l'aise.
Remettez les mots dans l'ordre.
cette / me / gêne / lumière
La structure sujet + complément + verbe est respectée.
Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasGêner insiste sur le malaise ou l'entrave physique, tandis que déranger implique plutôt une interruption ou une intrusion dans le travail ou le repos de quelqu'un.
On utilise souvent l'expression 'Ne te gêne pas' ou 'Fais comme chez toi' pour inviter quelqu'un à se sentir à l'aise.
Oui, on dit souvent 'Cette chaussure me gêne' pour exprimer une douleur légère ou une sensation désagréable causée par un objet.
Pas forcément. Dans l'expression 'ne pas se gêner', il signifie au contraire prendre ses aises ou agir sans retenue, ce qui peut être positif ou ironique.
Vocabulário relacionado
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accabler
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Accabler de reproches
B1To overwhelm with reproaches; to heavily criticize.
