French Phrase
C'est vraiment gênant.
Meaning
Literally, "It is really embarrassing." The phrase is used to comment on a situation that feels awkward, uncomfortable, or socially clumsy.
When to use
Use it in informal or semi‑formal conversations when you want to point out that something is awkward, such as a social faux pas, a mistake that draws attention, or a moment that makes you feel self‑conscious.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estvraimentgênant
C'est
Contraction of "ce" (this/it) + "est" (is). Used to introduce a statement about something.
vraiment
An adverb meaning "really" or "truly"; placed before the adjective it modifies.
gênant
Adjective derived from the verb "gêner"; means "embarrassing", "awkward" or "inconvenient".
🗨In Conversation
C'est vraiment gênant.
It's really embarrassing.
Oui, on devrait s'excuser tout de suite.
Yes, we should apologize right away.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est vraiment gêné.
"Gêné" is the past participle meaning "embarrassed" (a feeling), not the adjective describing a situation.
C'est vraiment très gênant.
Using two intensifiers together is redundant; choose either "vraiment" or "très".
↔Alternatives
C'est très embarrassant.
It's very embarrassing.
C'est assez gênant.
It's quite awkward.
C'est vraiment embarrassant.
It's really embarrassing.
Cultural Tip
In France, "gênant" is often preferred for personal discomfort (e.g., a blunder in a conversation), while "embarrassant" can sound a bit more formal or refer to a broader, sometimes humorous, awkwardness. Both are correct, but choose based on the level of formality and the nuance you want to convey.