Inklingo

How to Say "awkward" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “awkward” is “incómodo” — use this word to describe a social or emotional situation that feels uncomfortable, tense, or strained, often due to silence or an unpleasant atmosphere..

incómodoB1

Use this word to describe a social or emotional situation that feels uncomfortable, tense, or strained, often due to silence or an unpleasant atmosphere.

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embarazoso🔊B1

This is the best translation when referring to a moment or situation that causes embarrassment or makes someone feel self-conscious.

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torpe🔊A2

Use this word when describing someone or something that lacks grace, coordination, or dexterity, essentially meaning 'clumsy'.

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complicado🔊B1

This word applies when a situation is difficult to navigate, complex, or involves sensitive issues, rather than just being embarrassing or uncomfortable.

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delicado🔊B1

Choose this word when referring to a sensitive or precarious situation, often implying a need for careful handling, or when someone's health is fragile.

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violenta🔊A2

This translation is less common for 'awkward' in the social sense and is more likely to be used for weather or physical force, but can sometimes describe a harsh or jarringly uncomfortable social event.

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English → Spanish

incómodo

adjectiveB1general
Use this word to describe a social or emotional situation that feels uncomfortable, tense, or strained, often due to silence or an unpleasant atmosphere.

Examples

Hubo un silencio incómodo después de que se fue.

There was an awkward silence after she left.

embarazoso

/em-bah-rah-SOH-soh//embaɾaˈsoso/

adjectiveB1general
This is the best translation when referring to a moment or situation that causes embarrassment or makes someone feel self-conscious.
A person accidentally wearing two different colored shoes in public, looking down with a blushing face.

Examples

Fue un momento muy embarazoso cuando olvidé su nombre.

It was a very embarrassing moment when I forgot her name.

Hubo un silencio embarazoso en la cena.

There was an awkward silence at the dinner.

Es embarazoso admitir que me equivoqué.

It is embarrassing to admit that I was wrong.

Describing Situations

This word is almost always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it describes a characteristic of an event or a situation.

Gender Agreement

The ending changes to -a (embarazosa) if you are describing a feminine word, like 'una situación'.

The 'Pregnant' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'embarazoso' to say you are pregnant.”

Correction: Use 'embarazada' for a person who is pregnant. 'Embarazoso' only means a situation is awkward.

People vs. Situations

Mistake: “Saying 'Estoy embarazoso' to mean 'I am embarrassed'.”

Correction: Say 'Me siento avergonzado' or 'Tengo vergüenza'. 'Embarazoso' describes the thing that causes the feeling, not the person feeling it.

torpe

TORE-peh/ˈtoɾpe/

AdjectiveA2general
Use this word when describing someone or something that lacks grace, coordination, or dexterity, essentially meaning 'clumsy'.
A storybook illustration of a child looking surprised as they accidentally drop a small stack of colorful books onto the floor, depicting physical awkwardness.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy torpe y siempre rompe los vasos.

My brother is very clumsy and always breaks the glasses.

Tiene unas manos torpes; no puede atarse los zapatos rápido.

He has awkward hands; he can't tie his shoes quickly.

Adjectives Ending in -e

Since 'torpe' ends in -e, it is the same form whether you are describing a masculine or feminine person or thing: 'el chico torpe' (the clumsy boy) or 'la chica torpe' (the clumsy girl).

Using 'ser' vs. 'estar'

Mistake: “Estar torpe (meaning temporarily clumsy or feeling unwell).”

Correction: Use 'Ser torpe' to describe someone's permanent characteristic (they are a clumsy person). Use 'Estar torpe' only if they are temporarily clumsy due to tiredness or illness.

complicado

/kom-pli-KAH-doh//kompliˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1general
This word applies when a situation is difficult to navigate, complex, or involves sensitive issues, rather than just being embarrassing or uncomfortable.
A small, nervous character cautiously attempting to walk across a very narrow, wobbly plank bridge suspended high over a deep canyon.

Examples

Su relación es un poco complicada; tienen muchos altibajos.

Their relationship is a bit troubled (or complicated); they have many ups and downs.

Es una persona complicada, nunca sabes lo que quiere.

He is a difficult person; you never know what he wants.

Ser vs. Estar for Temporary States

While 'ser' (Eres complicado) describes someone's inherent difficult personality, 'estar' (Estás complicado) can describe a temporary state of being overwhelmed or in a tricky situation right now.

delicado

deh-lee-KAH-doh/deliˈkaðo/

AdjectiveB1general
Choose this word when referring to a sensitive or precarious situation, often implying a need for careful handling, or when someone's health is fragile.
A small figure cautiously walking on a very narrow, winding ice path suspended high above a dark chasm, representing a tricky or sensitive situation.

Examples

Mi tío está delicado de salud desde la operación.

My uncle has been in poor health since the operation.

Tuvimos que manejar el tema con mucho tacto porque era una cuestión delicada.

We had to handle the topic with great care because it was a sensitive issue.

Describing Health

When talking about someone's health, use the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) with 'delicado' to mean they are currently ill or frail: 'Ella está delicada'.

Using 'Ser' for Temporary Health

Mistake: “Mi abuelo es delicado de salud.”

Correction: Mi abuelo está delicado de salud. ('Ser' implies a permanent trait; 'estar' implies a current state.)

violenta

/bee-oh-LEN-tah//bjoˈlenta/

adjectiveA2general
This translation is less common for 'awkward' in the social sense and is more likely to be used for weather or physical force, but can sometimes describe a harsh or jarringly uncomfortable social event.
A powerful storm with dark clouds and a bolt of lightning striking a turbulent sea.

Examples

La tormenta de anoche fue muy violenta.

Last night's storm was very violent.

Se produjo un silencio violento cuando él entró en la habitación.

An awkward silence occurred when he entered the room.

Ella no es una persona violenta.

She is not a violent person.

Gender Match

Because this word ends in 'a', use it only when describing feminine things. If you describe a masculine thing, change it to 'violento'.

The 'Awkward' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'violenta' only for physical fights.”

Correction: Remember that in Spanish, 'violenta' is the go-to word for 'socially awkward' situations that feel forced or uncomfortable.

Choosing Between Incómodo and Embarazoso

Learners often confuse 'incómodo' and 'embarazoso'. Remember, 'incómodo' describes the general feeling of discomfort or tension in a situation, while 'embarazoso' specifically refers to something that causes embarrassment or shame.

Related Translations

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