窘 (jiǒng) - Embarrassed & awkward

窘Tone 3

jiǒng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

窘 · jiǒng

Embarrassed;

awkward;

in a predicament;

poverty-stricken.

Embarrassedawkwardin a predicament

Usage highlights

EmbarrassedAwkward situationLook embarrassedPovertyFeel awkwardAwkward laugh

Synonyms

  • 尴尬— awkward, embarrassed
  • 困窘— in straitened circumstances
  • 难堪— embarrassed, awkward

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He felt very embarrassed (窘迫).
  • She was in an awkward situation (窘境).
  • The question put him in a difficult spot (让他很窘).
  • They lived in impoverished conditions (生活窘困).

Collocations

  • Embarrassed(窘迫)
  • Awkward situation(窘境)
  • Look embarrassed(窘相)
  • Poverty-stricken(窘困)
  • Feel awkward(发窘)
  • Awkward laugh(窘笑)

Idioms

  • In an awkward predicament(窘态百出)
  • Poverty-stricken and destitute(窘困潦倒)
  • Hard-pressed and embarrassed(窘迫不堪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines 'cave/hole' (穴) with 'lord/ruler' (君), suggesting being trapped or constrained in a situation.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, maintaining face and avoiding embarrassment is highly valued, making this character culturally significant.
  • The character conveys both social awkwardness and material poverty, reflecting the connection between social standing and economic condition.

FAQ