When you're learning Portuguese, you'll find that "constrangimento" is a very useful word. It directly translates to embarrassment, but it's often used to describe a feeling of constraint or awkwardness in a situation.
Imagine you're at a party and you don't know anyone, or you're asked to do something you're not comfortable with – that's a perfect scenario for "constrangimento." It's more than just being shy; it's about feeling a bit trapped or limited by the circumstances.
So, if someone says they felt a "constrangimento," they're probably describing a situation where they felt uncomfortable, awkward, or even a little bit embarrassed by the social pressure or the nature of the event.
When we talk about "constrangimento," it's about that uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness. Imagine a situation where you accidentally spill coffee on yourself in a meeting – that's a moment of constrangimento. It's more than just being shy; it often involves a social gaffe or an uncomfortable situation that makes you feel self-conscious. Think of it as a state of feeling constrained or limited by the situation, often leading to blushing or an urge to disappear. It's a very common human emotion, and understanding it helps you grasp the nuances of social interactions in Portuguese.
Gramática essencial
Nouns ending in '-mento' are masculine. Example: 'o constrangimento' (the embarrassment).
O constrangimento dele era óbvio. (His embarrassment was obvious.)
Nouns can be followed by a possessive adjective to indicate who is experiencing the feeling. Example: 'o meu constrangimento' (my embarrassment).
O meu constrangimento era tanto que não consegui falar. (My embarrassment was such that I couldn't speak.)
The preposition 'de' can be used after 'constrangimento' to specify the cause or source of the embarrassment. Example: 'constrangimento de uma situação' (embarrassment from a situation).
Houve um momento de constrangimento na reunião. (There was a moment of embarrassment in the meeting.)
The verb 'sentir' (to feel) is commonly used with 'constrangimento'. Example: 'sentir constrangimento' (to feel embarrassment).
Ela sentiu muito constrangimento com a pergunta. (She felt a lot of embarrassment with the question.)
Adjectives can be used to describe the type or intensity of 'constrangimento'. Example: 'grande constrangimento' (great embarrassment) or 'leve constrangimento' (slight embarrassment).
Ele passou por um grande constrangimento. (He went through a great embarrassment.)
Exemplos por nível
Senti um grande constrangimento quando tropecei no palco.
I felt a great embarrassment when I tripped on stage.
Evitei o constrangimento de perguntar sobre o preço.
I avoided the awkwardness of asking about the price.
Ela corou de constrangimento com o elogio.
She blushed with embarrassment at the compliment.
Havia um constrangimento no ar depois da discussão.
There was an awkwardness in the air after the argument.
O constrangimento fez com que ele ficasse em silêncio.
The embarrassment made him stay silent.
Superar o constrangimento é importante para aprender.
Overcoming embarrassment is important for learning.
Não queria causar nenhum constrangimento aos meus amigos.
I didn't want to cause any awkwardness to my friends.
Ele tentou esconder o constrangimento, mas não conseguiu.
He tried to hide his embarrassment, but couldn't.
Senti um grande constrangimento quando percebi que tinha esquecido o nome dele.
I felt great embarrassment when I realized I had forgotten his name.
Here, 'constrangimento' is used as a direct object after 'senti' (I felt).
O constrangimento da situação era palpável, ninguém sabia o que dizer.
The awkwardness of the situation was palpable, nobody knew what to say.
'Constrangimento' is the subject of the sentence, followed by the verb 'era' (was).
Ela corou de constrangimento ao derrubar o copo de água.
She blushed with embarrassment upon spilling the glass of water.
'De constrangimento' means 'of embarrassment' or 'from embarrassment', indicating the cause of blushing.
Para evitar constrangimentos, é melhor chegar a tempo.
To avoid awkward situations/embarrassment, it's better to arrive on time.
'Constrangimentos' is plural here, referring to multiple instances of awkwardness or embarrassment.
Houve um momento de constrangimento quando ele fez uma pergunta inadequada.
There was a moment of awkwardness/embarrassment when he asked an inappropriate question.
'Um momento de constrangimento' means 'a moment of embarrassment'.
O constrangimento impediu-a de falar abertamente sobre o assunto.
The constraint/embarrassment prevented her from speaking openly about the matter.
'Constrangimento' is the subject, indicating it was the cause of her inability to speak.
Ele tentou disfarçar seu constrangimento com um sorriso forçado.
He tried to disguise his embarrassment with a forced smile.
'Seu constrangimento' means 'his embarrassment', with the possessive pronoun 'seu'.
A proposta causou um certo constrangimento entre os participantes.
The proposal caused a certain awkwardness/embarrassment among the participants.
'Um certo constrangimento' means 'a certain embarrassment' or 'some awkwardness'.
O constrangimento de não saber a resposta me fez corar.
The embarrassment of not knowing the answer made me blush.
Sentia um grande constrangimento em falar em público.
He felt great embarrassment speaking in public.
Evitou a todo custo qualquer constrangimento social.
She avoided any social awkwardness at all costs.
O constrangimento da situação era palpável.
The awkwardness of the situation was palpable.
Para evitar constrangimentos, preferiu não comparecer.
To avoid embarrassment, he preferred not to attend.
Havia um certo constrangimento no ar após a discussão.
There was a certain constraint in the air after the discussion.
Superou o constrangimento inicial e se apresentou.
She overcame the initial embarrassment and introduced herself.
O constrangimento de ser o centro das atenções era evidente.
The discomfort of being the center of attention was evident.
Frequentemente confundido com
Refers to physical tightening or narrowing, not social discomfort.
The opposite of 'constrangimento'; a state of ease and well-being.
A sense of being unconstrained, in contrast to the 'constraint' aspect of 'constrangimento'.
Fácil de confundir
Often confused with 'constriction' due to similar English-sounding roots, but in Portuguese, it primarily refers to social discomfort.
While 'constriction' implies physical narrowing, 'constrangimento' is about psychological discomfort or embarrassment.
Ela sentiu um grande constrangimento ao falar em público. (She felt a great embarrassment speaking in public.)
Directly translates to 'embarrassment', which is a close synonym of 'constrangimento', leading to interchangeable use by learners.
Both mean 'embarrassment', but 'constrangimento' can also imply a feeling of constraint or awkwardness, while 'embaraço' is often more directly about feeling ashamed or red-faced.
Que embaraço quando caí na frente de todos! (How embarrassing when I fell in front of everyone!)
Another word for 'shame' or 'embarrassment', which can be very similar to 'constrangimento' in certain contexts.
'Vergonha' often carries a stronger sense of shame or disgrace, while 'constrangimento' can be a milder form of awkwardness or discomfort.
Eu morri de vergonha depois de errar o nome dele. (I was so ashamed after getting his name wrong.)
Refers to shyness or bashfulness, which can be a cause of 'constrangimento'.
'Acanhamento' is more about a personality trait or a state of being shy, whereas 'constrangimento' is the feeling of discomfort that can arise from it.
Seu acanhamento a impedia de fazer amigos facilmente. (Her shyness prevented her from making friends easily.)
Similar to 'constrangimento' in that both involve a feeling of being held back or uncomfortable.
'Inibição' is more about a psychological block or restraint that prevents someone from acting naturally, often due to self-consciousness. 'Constrangimento' is the feeling itself.
Ele superou a inibição e começou a dançar. (He overcame his inhibition and started dancing.)
Dicas
When to use 'constrangimento'
Use 'constrangimento' when you mean embarrassment or a feeling of awkwardness. It's about feeling uncomfortable in a social situation.
Similar English words
Think of English words like embarrassment, awkwardness, discomfort, or self-consciousness. These are good mental links.
Formal vs. informal
'Constrangimento' is a fairly common and neutral word. It's not overly formal or informal, so you can use it in most contexts.
Pronunciation practice
Practice saying 'con-stran-gi-men-to'. Pay attention to the 'nh' sound, which is like the 'ny' in canyon. The 'g' before 'i' sounds like the 'j' in jump.
Common phrases
You'll often hear 'sentir constrangimento' (to feel embarrassed) or 'causar constrangimento' (to cause embarrassment).
Don't confuse with 'vergonha'
While related, 'vergonha' is often stronger, closer to shame. 'Constrangimento' is more about a lighter, more temporary feeling of awkwardness or discomfort.
Cultural nuance
Brazilians (and Portuguese speakers in general) might sometimes use 'constrangimento' for situations where an English speaker might just say 'it was a bit uncomfortable'.
Context is key
Always consider the context. Is someone feeling a little awkward or deeply ashamed? This helps choose between 'constrangimento' and 'vergonha'.
Etymology note
The word comes from 'constringir', meaning to constrain or restrict. This links to the feeling of being constrained or limited in a social situation.
Practice sentence construction
Try making your own sentences: 'Eu senti um grande constrangimento quando caí na frente de todos.' (I felt great embarrassment when I fell in front of everyone.)
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Social situations where someone feels awkward or shy.
- Fiquei com um constrangimento quando tropecei no palco.
- Ela sentiu constrangimento ao falar em público.
- Evite causar constrangimento a outras pessoas.
Situations involving personal modesty or privacy.
- Havia um constrangimento em tirar a roupa na frente de estranhos.
- Senti um certo constrangimento com as perguntas pessoais.
- O constrangimento de ser observado era grande.
Financial or material difficulties causing discomfort.
- Passar por constrangimentos financeiros é difícil.
- Eles vivem com muitos constrangimentos.
- Não quero causar nenhum constrangimento com o dinheiro.
Situations where someone is forced or pressured to do something.
- Agir sob constrangimento não é bom.
- Havia um constrangimento para aceitar a proposta.
- Ela agiu sem constrangimento, por vontade própria.
Discomfort or unease due to an unexpected event.
- O atraso causou um grande constrangimento.
- Houve um constrangimento quando o som falhou.
- Superar o constrangimento rapidamente é importante.
Iniciadores de conversa
"Você já sentiu um grande constrangimento em público? O que aconteceu?"
"Como você lida com situações de constrangimento?"
"Existe algo que te cause constrangimento facilmente?"
"Qual a diferença entre vergonha e constrangimento para você?"
"Já presenciou alguém em uma situação de constrangimento? Como você reagiu?"
Temas para diário
Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu um constrangimento profundo e como superou isso.
Reflita sobre como o constrangimento afeta suas interações sociais e o que você pode fazer para minimizá-lo.
Escreva sobre um momento em que você causou, sem querer, constrangimento a alguém. Como você se sentiu?
Explore as diferentes formas de constrangimento que você pode experimentar no dia a dia e como elas se manifestam.
Imagine que você está ensinando a palavra 'constrangimento' para alguém. Quais exemplos você usaria e por quê?
Teste-se 60 perguntas
Ele sentiu um grande ___ quando esqueceu o nome dela.
The context 'esqueceu o nome dela' (forgot her name) implies a feeling of awkwardness or embarrassment, which 'constrangimento' means.
Houve um momento de ___ na reunião quando ninguém sabia a resposta.
When no one knows the answer, it often creates an awkward silence, which 'constrangimento' describes.
Ela ficou vermelha de ___ quando o pai contou a história.
Blushing ('ficou vermelha') is a common reaction to embarrassment, which 'constrangimento' conveys.
Para evitar o ___, ele preferiu não falar sobre o assunto.
Not talking about a subject to 'avoid' something suggests avoiding an awkward or embarrassing situation.
O ___ foi visível no rosto dela após o erro.
Making a mistake often leads to embarrassment, which would be visible on someone's face.
Não quero causar nenhum ___ a você.
Saying 'I don't want to cause any ___ to you' often implies not wanting to cause embarrassment or awkwardness.
Listen for 'constrangimento'.
Listen for the feeling she had at the party.
Listen for what someone doesn't want to cause.
Read this aloud:
Eu sinto constrangimento.
Focus: con-stran-gee-men-toh
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Isso me causa constrangimento.
Focus: cah-oo-zah con-stran-gee-men-toh
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ela ficou com constrangimento.
Focus: eh-lah fee-coh con con-stran-gee-men-toh
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order for 'It's a big embarrassment' in Portuguese is 'É um grande constrangimento'.
To say 'She felt a lot of embarrassment' in Portuguese, you arrange the words as 'Ela sentiu muito constrangimento'.
The phrase 'The error caused embarrassment' translates to 'O erro causou constrangimento' in Portuguese.
Ele sentiu um grande ___ quando esqueceu o nome da esposa.
The context implies a feeling of awkwardness or embarrassment due to forgetting a name. 'Constrangimento' fits best.
Para evitar qualquer ___, ele decidiu não ir à festa.
The phrase 'evitar qualquer' (to avoid any) suggests a negative feeling like embarrassment or constraint. 'Constrangimento' is the correct choice.
Houve um momento de ___ quando ninguém sabia a resposta.
A shared lack of knowledge can lead to an awkward or embarrassing silence, described by 'constrangimento'.
Ela ficou vermelha de ___ quando tropeçou na frente de todos.
Turning red, especially after tripping, is a common physical sign of embarrassment, which is 'constrangimento'.
A situação causou um certo ___ entre os colegas.
When a situation creates an awkward or uncomfortable feeling among people, 'constrangimento' is the appropriate word.
Por favor, não me coloque em uma situação de ___ com essas perguntas.
Asking questions that make someone feel uncomfortable or awkward puts them in a situation of 'constrangimento'.
Choose the best translation for 'constrangimento' in this sentence: 'Senti muito constrangimento quando caí.'
In this context, 'constrangimento' refers to the feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness after falling.
Qual palavra descreve melhor a sensação de 'constrangimento'?
'Vergonha' (shame/embarrassment) is the closest synonym to 'constrangimento'.
Se alguém está vermelho e sem saber o que dizer, provavelmente sente...
Blushing and being at a loss for words are common signs of embarrassment or 'constrangimento'.
Um 'constrangimento' é sempre uma situação engraçada.
While some embarrassing situations can be funny in hindsight, 'constrangimento' itself is usually an uncomfortable feeling.
Se você sente constrangimento, você está feliz e à vontade.
'Constrangimento' implies discomfort and awkwardness, the opposite of feeling happy and at ease.
Pedir desculpas por um erro pode aliviar o constrangimento.
Apologizing can often help to resolve an awkward situation and reduce the feeling of 'constrangimento'.
You forgot your friend's birthday. Describe how you felt and what you did to fix it. Use 'constrangimento' in your answer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Esqueci o aniversário da minha amiga e senti um grande constrangimento. Liguei para ela imediatamente para pedir desculpas e combinamos de sair para comemorar outro dia.
Imagine you are at a party and accidentally spill a drink on someone. How would you describe your feeling of awkwardness? Use 'constrangimento'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu derramei uma bebida em alguém na festa e senti um constrangimento enorme. Pedi desculpas e tentei ajudar a limpar a roupa dela.
Describe a time you felt shy or awkward in a new social situation. How did you overcome that 'constrangimento'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quando comecei no novo trabalho, senti um constrangimento com as pessoas que eu não conhecia. Mas, com o tempo, comecei a conversar e o constrangimento passou.
O que Ana sentiu no início da festa?
Read this passage:
Ana foi a uma festa, mas não conhecia muitas pessoas lá. Ela sentiu um constrangimento no início. Depois de um tempo, uma amiga chegou e a apresentou a outros convidados. Ana relaxou e começou a conversar.
O que Ana sentiu no início da festa?
O texto diz que 'Ela sentiu um constrangimento no início' porque não conhecia muitas pessoas.
O texto diz que 'Ela sentiu um constrangimento no início' porque não conhecia muitas pessoas.
Qual foi a reação de Pedro depois de tropeçar?
Read this passage:
Ontem, Pedro estava no shopping e tropeçou na frente de muitas pessoas. Ele sentiu um grande constrangimento e ficou com o rosto vermelho. Rapidamente, ele se levantou e continuou andando como se nada tivesse acontecido.
Qual foi a reação de Pedro depois de tropeçar?
O texto afirma: 'Ele sentiu um grande constrangimento e ficou com o rosto vermelho.'
O texto afirma: 'Ele sentiu um grande constrangimento e ficou com o rosto vermelho.'
Por que Maria sentiu constrangimento no restaurante?
Read this passage:
Maria esqueceu de levar sua carteira para o restaurante. Quando a conta chegou, ela sentiu um constrangimento porque não podia pagar. Felizmente, seu amigo pagou por ela.
Por que Maria sentiu constrangimento no restaurante?
O texto diz: 'Quando a conta chegou, ela sentiu um constrangimento porque não podia pagar.'
O texto diz: 'Quando a conta chegou, ela sentiu um constrangimento porque não podia pagar.'
This sentence describes someone feeling embarrassment while singing in public. The order follows a typical subject-verb-object structure in Portuguese.
This sentence indicates that there was an awkward moment during a meeting. The structure 'Houve um momento de...' is common for expressing the existence of something.
This sentence advises arriving early to avoid embarrassment. 'Para evitar' is a common phrase to express 'in order to avoid'.
She avoided the embarrassment of asking the price again.
His awkwardness was evident during the presentation.
She felt great self-consciousness when speaking in public for the first time.
Read this aloud:
Superar o constrangimento é essencial para o desenvolvimento pessoal.
Focus: constrangimento
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
O constrangimento causado pela situação era palpável.
Focus: palpável
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Apesar do constrangimento inicial, ele se saiu muito bem.
Focus: inicial
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'That was a great embarrassment.' The correct order is subject, verb, indefinite article, adjective, noun.
This means 'She caused an embarrassment for me.' The structure is subject, verb, indefinite article, noun, preposition, object pronoun.
This sentence translates to 'He tried to avoid the embarrassment.' The order is subject, verb, verb, definite article, noun.
O discurso foi tão ruim que causou um grande ___ na plateia. (The speech was so bad it caused a great ___ in the audience.)
The context of a 'bad speech' implies a negative feeling like embarrassment or awkwardness, which is 'constrangimento'.
Ela sentiu um ___ ao perceber que estava usando meias de cores diferentes. (She felt a ___ when she realized she was wearing mismatched socks.)
Realizing one is wearing mismatched socks typically leads to a feeling of embarrassment, which is 'constrangimento'.
Houve um momento de ___ quando ninguém sabia a resposta para a pergunta do professor. (There was a moment of ___ when no one knew the answer to the teacher's question.)
A collective lack of an answer in a classroom setting often creates an awkward or embarrassing silence, hence 'constrangimento'.
Evitei fazer perguntas para não causar ___ ao orador. (I avoided asking questions so as not to cause ___ to the speaker.)
One might avoid asking questions if they fear it could make the speaker feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, which is 'constrangimento'.
O ___ de ter que pedir dinheiro emprestado era visível em seu rosto. (The ___ of having to borrow money was visible on his face.)
Having to ask for money can be an embarrassing or uncomfortable situation, making 'constrangimento' the appropriate word.
A gafe do apresentador gerou um ___ generalizado na cerimônia. (The presenter's blunder caused widespread ___ at the ceremony.)
A 'blunder' (gafe) by a presenter would typically lead to embarrassment or awkwardness for everyone present, hence 'constrangimento'.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
When to use 'constrangimento'
Use 'constrangimento' when you mean embarrassment or a feeling of awkwardness. It's about feeling uncomfortable in a social situation.
Similar English words
Think of English words like embarrassment, awkwardness, discomfort, or self-consciousness. These are good mental links.
Formal vs. informal
'Constrangimento' is a fairly common and neutral word. It's not overly formal or informal, so you can use it in most contexts.
Pronunciation practice
Practice saying 'con-stran-gi-men-to'. Pay attention to the 'nh' sound, which is like the 'ny' in canyon. The 'g' before 'i' sounds like the 'j' in jump.
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de 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.
