Translation and Meaning of: 決まり悪い - kimariwarui

If you have ever felt embarrassed or uncomfortable in a social situation, the Japanese have a perfect word to describe that feeling: 決まり悪い (きまりわるい). This expression captures that moment when something feels strange, awkward, or simply out of place. In this article, we will explore the meaning, everyday use, and even some curiosities about this very useful word in the Japanese vocabulary.

In addition to understanding how and when to use 決まり悪い, you will discover how it fits into Japanese culture, its frequency in everyday conversations, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. Whether you are a Japanese student or just someone curious about languages, this guide will help you master this expression naturally.

Meaning and usage of 決まり悪い

決まり悪い is an expression that describes a feeling of discomfort, shame, or embarrassment in social situations. It can be used when someone feels embarrassed about something they did or witnessed, or even when a situation becomes awkward for no apparent reason. The closest translation in Portuguese would be something like "embarrassing" or "awkward."

Unlike words like 恥ずかしい (hazukashii), which carry a more personal tone of embarrassment, 決まり悪い has a greater focus on the discomfort generated by the situation itself. For example, if someone tells a joke that isn't funny and silence falls over the room, this heavy atmosphere can be described as 決まり悪い. It's a word that Japanese people often use in informal contexts, especially among friends or colleagues.

Origin and composition of the word

The expression 決まり悪い is made up of two elements: 決まり (kimari), which means "decision" or "agreement," and 悪い (warui), which means "bad." Together, these parts create the idea of something that "is not decided in a good way," that is, a situation that does not resolve comfortably. This construction reflects well the feeling of discomfort that the word conveys.

It is worth noting that 決まり悪い is not an old or rare term – on the contrary, it appears regularly in modern Japanese. Although it is not as common as some other expressions of embarrassment, it has its place in everyday vocabulary, especially among young adults. Its origin is not tied to any specific historical event, but rather to the natural evolution of the language to describe complex social feelings.

Tips for memorizing and using 決まり悪い

An effective way to solidify 決まり悪い in your memory is to associate it with real-life situations where you have felt embarrassed. Think of moments like when you greet someone who doesn't recognize you, or when you laugh alone at something that nobody else found funny. These small everyday scenes are perfect examples of when this word would be used in Japan.

Another practical tip is to observe how 決まり悪い appears in Japanese dramas or informal conversations. Often, characters use this expression with a specific tone of voice – somewhat drawn out, as if acknowledging the discomfort of the situation. Noticing these details helps not only to memorize the word but also to understand the right timing to use it in real conversations.

Embarrassing in Japanese culture

The concept behind 決まり悪い speaks volumes about the importance of social harmony in Japan. In a culture where collective comfort often comes before individual comfort, situations that disrupt this balance are immediately noticed. It is no wonder that the Japanese have several words to describe different nuances of embarrassment, and 決まり悪い occupies an important place in this spectrum.

It is worth noting that although it is a common word, 決まり悪い is not often found in formal contexts. Its use is more frequent among friends, family, or close colleagues. In professional environments or with people of higher status, the Japanese tend to use more polite or indirect expressions to describe embarrassing situations, thus maintaining the social etiquette that is highly valued in the country.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 気まずい (Kimizu) - Uncomfortable, embarrassing.
• しどろもどろの (Shidoromodoro no) - Clumsy, awkward in speaking or behaving.
• ぎこちない (Gikochinai) - Awkward, not natural.
• ぎくしゃくした (Gikushakushita) - Uncomfortable, lacking fluency or naturalness.
• はずかしい (Hazukashii) - Embarrassing, ashamed.
• 恥ずかしい (Hazukashii) - 恥ずかしい (はずかしい)
• 不自然な (Fushizen na) - Not natural, forced.
• ぎこちなく感じる (Gikochinaku kanjiru) - I felt awkward or uncomfortable.
• ぎこちなさを感じる (Gikochinasa o kanjiru) - Feeling the lack of naturalness or fluency.
• しどろもどろになる (Shidoromodoro ni naru) - To become awkward, to lose composure while speaking.
• ぎくしゃくする (Gikushaku suru) - Feeling uncomfortable or having difficulties expressing oneself.
• ぎこちない様子を見せる (Gikochinai youso o miseru) - Show clumsy behavior.
• はずかしく感じる (Hazukashiku kanjiru) - Feeling embarrassment or shame.
• 恥ずかしく感じる (Hazukashiku kanjiru) - 恥ずかしい (はずかしい)

決まり悪い

Romaji: kimariwarui
Kana: きまりわるい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: feeling awkward; to have shame

Meaning in English: feeling awkward;being ashamed

Definition: To give others a bad impression.