embarazoso
“embarazoso” means “embarrassing” in Spanish (a situation that makes you feel self-conscious).
embarrassing
Also: awkward
📝 In Action
Fue un momento muy embarazoso cuando olvidé su nombre.
B1It was a very embarrassing moment when I forgot her name.
Hubo un silencio embarazoso en la cena.
B1There was an awkward silence at the dinner.
Es embarazoso admitir que me equivoqué.
B2It is embarrassing to admit that I was wrong.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: embarazoso
Question 1 of 2
Which of these would you call 'embarazoso'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the verb 'embarazar', which originally meant 'to hinder' or 'to block'. It likely comes from a combination of Celtic or Iberian roots meaning 'a barrier' or 'a rope'. The idea is that an embarrassing situation 'blocks' your social ease.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'embarazoso' mean pregnant?
No. While the words look similar, 'embarazoso' means embarrassing or awkward. 'Embarazada' (with an 'a' at the end) means pregnant.
If I feel embarrassed, can I say 'estoy embarazoso'?
No, that sounds like you are saying you are an 'awkward situation'. To say you feel embarrassed, use 'estoy avergonzado' or 'me da vergüenza'.