ぎこちない

ぎこちない
i-adjective
awkward; stiff; clumsy
1. awkward; stiff; clumsy; unnatural
Describing movements, behavior, or interactions that lack smoothness or naturalness. Can refer to physical clumsiness or social awkwardness.
ぎこちない(うご)きで(おど)っていた。
She was dancing with awkward movements.
初対面(しょたいめん)会話(かいわ)がぎこちなかった。
The conversation was awkward since we were meeting for the first time.
(かれ)笑顔(えがお)はどこかぎこちない。
His smile is somehow stiff.

FORMS:

  • ぎこちなく (adverb) - awkwardly
  • ぎこちなさ (noun) - awkwardness

USAGE:
Describes something that should be smooth or natural but isn't. Often used for physical movements, social interactions, or expressions that feel forced or uncomfortable.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ぎこちない(うご)き (awkward movements)
  • ぎこちない笑顔(えがお) (stiff smile)
  • ぎこちない会話(かいわ) (awkward conversation)
  • ぎこちない関係(かんけい) (awkward relationship)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 不自然(ふしぜん) - unnatural (broader meaning)
  • ()れくさい - embarrassing/bashful (emotional focus)
  • ()まずい - awkward/uncomfortable (situational)