awkward; in a dilemma; uncomfortable
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
awkward; in a dilemma; embarrassed
dialectTypically used to describe a situation or a person's feelings when facing an awkward or indecisive circumstance. Indicates being stuck between two undesirable options, unable to proceed comfortably.
Bèi被
rén人
zhuàng撞
jiàn见
wǒ我
hé和
lǎo老
bǎn板
chǎo吵
jià架
，
zhēn真
shì是
bù不
gān尴
bù不
gà尬
。
Getting caught arguing with my boss was really awkward.
Tā他
zhàn站
zài在
mén门
kǒu口
，
jìn进
yě也
bù不
shì是
tuì退
yě也
bù不
shì是
，
bù不
gān尴
bù不
gà尬
。
He stood at the door, unsure whether to enter or leave, feeling awkward.
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Zhè这
lǐ礼
wù物
tài太
guì贵
zhòng重
le了
，
shōu收
xià下
bù不
gān尴
bù不
gà尬
，
bù不
shōu收
yòu又
bù不
lǐ礼
mào貌
。
The gift is too expensive; accepting it feels awkward, but refusing would be impolite.
Nà那
ge个
wèn问
tí题
wèn问
de得
tā他
xià下
bù不
lái来
tái台
，
qì气
fēn氛
yī一
xià下
zi子
bù不
gān尴
bù不
gà尬
。
That question made him lose face, and the atmosphere instantly became awkward.