Japanese word of the day: 気まずい (Kimazui)

What does 気まずい (Kimazui) mean?

気まずい (Kimazui) [い-adjective] — unpleasant; awkward; embarrassing; uneasy​

Today’s word describes uncomfortable or tense situations where the atmosphere feels heavy or socially uneasy. It’s often used when there’s social discomfort, strained relationships, or embarrassing moments.

Kanji details for 気

気 — spirit, mind, air, atmosphere, mood
Radical: steam, breath 气

Example sentences with 気まずい (Kimazui)

• 友達の秘密をうっかり話してしまって、すごく気まずい空気になった。

  (Tomodachi no himitsu o ukkari hanashite shimatte, sugoku kimazui kūki ni natta.)

  🫢 I accidentally revealed my friend’s secret, and the atmosphere became super awkward.

• エレベーターの中で上司と二人きりになって、気まずい沈黙が続いた。

  (Erebētā no naka de jōshi to futari kiri ni natte, kimazui chinmoku ga tsuzuita.)

  😶 I ended up alone in the elevator with my boss, and an awkward silence followed.

• 別れた彼女と偶然同じカフェにいて、気まずかった。

  (Wakareta kanojo to guuzen onaji kafe ni ite, kimazukatta.)

  😬 I ran into my ex at the same café by chance, and it was so awkward.

気まずい (Kimazui) in context

気まずい (Kimazui) is most commonly used for social awkwardness, not physical discomfort. If you’re feeling physically uncomfortable (too hot, too cold, etc.), a better word would be 不快 (Fukai) “unpleasant” or 居心地が悪い (Igokochi ga warui), “uncomfortable atmosphere”.

Common phrases include 気まずい空気 (kimazui kūki) “an awkward atmosphere”, 気まずい沈黙 (kimazui chinmoku) “an awkward silence, and 気まずい関係 (kimazui kankei) “a tense relationship”. If something has become awkward, you can say 気まずくなる (kimazuku naru).