Definition
别扭 describes physical discomfort (e.g., tight shoes), a difficult/contrary personality, or interpersonal friction (闹别扭). Unlike 难受 (physical/emotional discomfort) or 尴尬 (embarrassing situations), 别扭 emphasizes awkwardness from something not fitting right—shoes, a person's temper, or a relationship. 拘束 is about social constraint, while 难堪 overlaps with embarrassment but can also mean unbearable.
adjective
uncomfortableawkward (physically or socially)difficult to get along withcontrary (of a person)at oddsin disagreement (often in 闹别扭)
Examples
- 别扭，。Zhè shuāng xīn xié chuān zhe yǒudiǎn biè niu, děi huàn yì shuāng.These new shoes feel a bit uncomfortable; I need to change to another pair.
- 别扭，。Tā píqi hěn biè niu, dàjiā dōu bú tài yuànyì gēn tā hézuò.He has a difficult personality; people aren't very willing to cooperate with him.
- ，。Tāmen liǎ yòu nào biè niu le, shéi yě bù lǐ shéi.Those two are at odds again; neither is talking to the other.
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