Definition

Adjective: - Awkward, ill at ease, self-conscious: Describes a state of feeling uncomfortable, unnatural, or embarrassed in one's gestures, movements, or speech, often due to unfamiliarity, shyness, or a sense of guilt. It conveys a visible lack of ease or grace in a situation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy cầm đũa một cách ngượng nghịu vì lần đầu ăn đồ Việt. (She held the chopsticks awkwardly because it was her first time eating Vietnamese food.)
  • Đứa trẻ đứng ngượng nghịu trước mặt khách. (The child stood self-consciously in front of the guests.)
  • Anh ấy có vẻ ngượng nghịu như người có lỗi. (He looked sheepish, like someone who had done something wrong.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngượng nghịu trong...": To be awkward/ill at ease in (a specific situation or attire).
  • Cô bé ngượng nghịu trong bộ váy dạ hội mới. (The little girl felt awkward in her new evening gown.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngượng (adj): Embarrassed, shy. A more general term for feeling embarrassed.
  • Cô ấy đỏ mặt vì ngượng. (She blushed from embarrassment.)
• Lúng túng (adj): Flustered, confused, at a loss. Often used for a temporary state of confusion or not knowing what to do.
  • Anh ấy lúng túng trước câu hỏi khó. (He was flustered by the difficult question.)
• Bối rối (adj): Flustered, perturbed, disconcerted. Similar to "lúng túng" but can imply a deeper emotional disturbance.

Synonyms

• Bẽn lẽn: Bashful, timid (often with a sense of shy charm).
• Rụt rè: Timid, hesitant (implies holding back due to shyness or fear).
• Không tự nhiên: Unnatural, stiff.

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "ngượng nghịu" specifically describes an external, observable awkwardness in behavior or demeanor resulting from an internal feeling of embarrassment or unfamiliarity. It is not used for physical clumsiness (which is "vụng về") or for socially awkward situations in general without the personal feeling of discomfort.

1. awkward