About
The character "窘" is structured with the radical "穴" representing a cave or hole placed above the component "君" meaning ruler or lord, where "君" originally functioned phonetically but also contributed to the semantic notion of being controlled or confined. Etymologically, this composition suggested a state of being trapped or constrained within a narrow space, which led to its early meanings of poverty, distress, or being in straitened circumstances. Over centuries, the meaning evolved from describing external physical or economic hardship to emphasizing an internal sense of social discomfort, resulting in the modern interpretation of embarrassment or awkwardness.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他看起来很窘。
在大家面前他有点窘。
他陷入了窘境。
那个问题让他十分窘迫。
他窘得说不出话来。
在严肃的场合下，他感到特别窘。
资金短缺使公司处境窘困。
尽管他试图掩饰，但窘态还是暴露无遗。