Definition
受窘 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning "to be embarrassed" or "to be in an awkward situation." 受 (to receive/undergo) and 窘 (embarrassment/dilemma) can split when measure words, durations, or complements are inserted: 受了一次窘 (was embarrassed once), 受过窘 (has been embarrassed before). The scope of embarrassment is usually about social awkwardness rather than deep shame. It appears more in written or formal speech than in casual conversation.
v.o.
to be embarrassedto be in an awkward or embarrassing situation
Examples
- 。Tā zài zhòngrén miànqián shòu le yí cì jiǒng.He was once embarrassed in front of a crowd.
- 受窘。Tā yīnwèi shuō cuò huà ér gǎndào hěn shòu jiǒng.She felt very embarrassed because of saying the wrong thing.
- 受窘，。Zhè zhǒng chǎngmiàn ràng tā yǒudiǎn shòu jiǒng, bù zhīdào gāi zěnme huíyìng.This kind of situation made him a bit embarrassed; he didn't know how to respond.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.