Inklingo

How to Say "embarrassing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “embarrassing” is “embarazoso” — use this for situations that cause a feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness, often due to a social faux pas.

embarazoso🔊B1

Use this for situations that cause a feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness, often due to a social faux pas.

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incómodoB1

Choose this to describe a situation that feels difficult, tense, or creates a general feeling of unease, often characterized by silence or awkward interactions.

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vergonzoso🔊B1

Use this when the situation or action is shameful, disgraceful, or reflects poorly on someone's character or actions.

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penoso🔊B1

This term implies a situation that evokes pity, sadness, or a strong sense of 'cringe' due to its unfortunate or pathetic nature.

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violentos🔊C1

Use this for moments that are unsettling or create a strong sense of unease and discomfort, often implying a more intense or disturbing experience.

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English → Spanish

embarazoso

em-bah-rah-SOH-sohembaɾaˈsoso

adjectiveB1general
Use this for situations that cause a feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness, often due to a social faux pas.
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.

incómodo

adjectiveB1general
Choose this to describe a situation that feels difficult, tense, or creates a general feeling of unease, often characterized by silence or awkward interactions.

Examples

Hubo un silencio incómodo después de que se fue.

There was an awkward silence after she left.

vergonzoso

vair-gohn-SOH-sohbeɾ.ɣonˈso.so

adjectiveB1general
Use this when the situation or action is shameful, disgraceful, or reflects poorly on someone's character or actions.
A cartoon character standing next to a tipped-over vase, covering their face completely with their hands, indicating deep shame or embarrassment.

Examples

La manera en que trataron al cliente fue vergonzosa.

The way they treated the customer was shameful (or disgraceful).

Olvidar mi discurso fue un momento vergonzoso.

Forgetting my speech was an embarrassing moment.

Es vergonzoso que todavía tengamos este problema.

It is embarrassing that we still have this problem.

Making it Match

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'vergonzoso' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use -a for feminine nouns (vergonzosa) and add -s for plurals (vergonzosos/vergonzosas).

Mixing up the 'Oso' words

Mistake: “Using 'vergonzoso' when you mean 'vergonzante' (which is very rare and means 'shaming').”

Correction: Always use 'vergonzoso' to describe something that causes shame or is full of shame.

penoso

peh-NOH-sohpeˈnoso

adjectiveB1general
This term implies a situation that evokes pity, sadness, or a strong sense of 'cringe' due to its unfortunate or pathetic nature.
A small bird sitting alone on a bare branch under a gray rain cloud.

Examples

Es penoso ver cómo ha quedado la ciudad tras la tormenta.

It is sad to see how the city looks after the storm.

Fue un momento muy penoso cuando se le olvidó el discurso.

It was a very embarrassing moment when he forgot his speech.

Su comportamiento en la reunión fue realmente penoso.

His behavior at the meeting was truly pitiful.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to 'penosa' for feminine items (una noticia penosa) and add an 's' for plural items (momentos penosos).

Using with 'Ser'

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) when describing a situation that is inherently sad or embarrassing, like 'Es penoso' (It's embarrassing).

Sad vs. Shy

Mistake: “Using 'penoso' to mean 'shy' in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'tímido'. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, 'penoso' is perfectly fine for 'shy'!

violentos

bee-oh-LEHN-tohsbjoˈlentos

adjectiveC1general
Use this for moments that are unsettling or create a strong sense of unease and discomfort, often implying a more intense or disturbing experience.
A person accidentally spilling a glass of water on someone's lap at a dinner table.

Examples

Fueron unos momentos violentos para todos nosotros.

Those were some awkward moments for all of us.

Choosing Between Embarrassing and Awkward

The most common confusion is between 'embarazoso' and 'incómodo'. Remember, 'embarazoso' often relates to personal self-consciousness from a mistake, while 'incómodo' describes a tense atmosphere or difficult situation, even if no one is personally embarrassed.

Related Translations

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