Translation guide
The English word "awkward" covers a wide range of situations, from physical clumsiness to social discomfort. Japanese expresses these nuances with different words and phrases depending on the context.
Describing a situation, atmosphere, or interaction that feels strained, embarrassing, or uneasy.
The most common and direct equivalent for an awkward social atmosphere or feeling between people. Often used for silences or situations where people feel uncomfortable.
気まずい沈黙が続いた。
An awkward silence continued.
彼に会うのは気まずい。
It's awkward to see him.
Literally "the feeling of being in a place is bad." Used when you feel uncomfortable or out of place in a social setting.
あのパーティーは居心地が悪かった。
That party was awkward.
Feeling awkward or embarrassed due to a specific mistake or social misstep. Similar to "feeling sheepish."
名前を間違えて、ばつが悪かった。
I got his name wrong and felt awkward.
Slangy, often used by younger people to describe a situation that is awkward, not quite right, or hard to react to. Can sound dismissive.
その冗談は微妙だった。
That joke was awkward.
Describing a person or movement that lacks coordination or grace.
Clumsy with one's hands or body. Can also be used for social clumsiness (e.g.,不善言辞).
彼は不器用で、よく物を落とす。
He is awkward and often drops things.
Stiff, unnatural, lacking smoothness in movement or speech. Often used for someone's manner or a performance.
A colloquial noun/na-adjective for a clumsy mistake or a clumsy person. Often used self-deprecatingly.
またやっちゃった、私ってドジだな。
I did it again, I'm so awkward/clumsy.
Describing an object that is hard to carry, hold, or use because of its shape, size, or design.
Hard to handle or manage. General term for unwieldy objects or difficult people/situations.
この箱は大きくて扱いにくい。
This box is big and awkward to carry.
Specifically hard to hold or carry because of shape or weight distribution.
この形は持ちにくい。
This shape is awkward to hold.
Hard to use; not user-friendly. Common for tools, interfaces, or systems.
このアプリは使いづらい。
This app is awkward to use.
Describing a time or circumstance that is inconvenient or ill-suited.
Inconvenient, unfavorable timing. Often used when something conflicts with plans or expectations.
今はちょっと都合が悪い。
Right now is a bit awkward.
Bad timing; arriving or doing something at an inopportune moment. Can also mean unlucky.
間が悪くて、二人のけんかに居合わせた。
With awkward timing, I was there when they had a fight.
Describing a question or subject that is difficult or embarrassing to address.
Hard to answer, often because it's personal, embarrassing, or complex.
それは答えにくい質問ですね。
That's an awkward question.
Delicate, sensitive. Used for topics that require careful handling.
デリケートな問題だから、触れないほうがいい。
It's an awkward topic, so better not to bring it up.
気まずい focuses on the strained relationship or atmosphere between people, often due to a specific event. 居心地が悪い is more about your personal feeling of not fitting in or being uncomfortable in a place or group, without necessarily blaming a particular incident.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'awkward.' Using the wrong word can make your Japanese sound unnatural. Always consider the specific type of awkwardness you want to express.
彼の動きはまだぎこちない。
His movements are still awkward.