别扭

• Pinyin: biè niu
• Hanzi breakdown: 别 = crooked; 扭 = 扌(hand) + 丑 (ugly/twist), meaning to twist or wrench

Meaning

Awkward; uncomfortable; at odds with. Describes feeling uneasy, a strained relationship, or something that doesn't feel right.

Versatile adjective with several related meanings: (1) feeling uncomfortable or out of place; (2) being stubborn or difficult; (3) describing strained interpersonal relations; (4) something that looks or sounds 'off.' Very common in colloquial speech.

Examples

1. 新买的鞋子穿起来有点别扭，可能还需要磨合几天。 The new shoes feel a bit uncomfortable — they probably need a few days to break in.
2. 他俩最近闹别扭，见面都不说话。 Those two have been at odds lately — they don't even speak when they meet.
3. 这句话的语法没问题，但读起来总觉得别扭。 The grammar of this sentence is fine, but it somehow reads awkwardly.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, relationships, feelings

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你们俩别闹别扭了，有话好好说。(Stop being at odds with each other — talk things through calmly.)
• 第一天上班，感觉哪哪都别扭。(First day at work — everything feels awkward.)

Don't Say

• 这份合同让我感到别扭。(In formal contexts, use 不适 or 不妥 instead of 别扭)

Origin & History

别 (crooked, contrary) + 扭 (to twist). Originally described physical awkwardness, extended to emotional and interpersonal discomfort.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal