unbequem
uncomfortable
Definition & meaning
The German word unbequem is an adjective that generally translates to "uncomfortable" or "inconvenient" in English. It is used in three main contexts:
- Physical discomfort: It describes objects or environments that do not provide physical ease. For example, a hard chair or shoes that are too tight are described as unbequem.
- Situational inconvenience: It refers to circumstances, times, or tasks that cause trouble or require unwanted effort. An appointment at an early hour might be called an unbequem time.
- Social or political character: It describes a person who is "difficult" because they are critical, ask tough questions, or do not conform to the status quo. Such an individual is often called an unbequem person because they challenge others.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is composed of two parts:
- un-: A negative prefix used to indicate the opposite of the base word.
- bequem: An adjective meaning comfortable, convenient, or easy-going.
Historically, bequem comes from the Middle High German word "bequāme", which originally meant "suitable" or "fitting." Therefore, something unbequem was originally something that did not "fit" the situation or the person.
In a sentence, it can function as an adjective (the uncomfortable chair) or an adverb (to sit uncomfortably).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- For physical discomfort: hart (hard), drückend (pressing/pinching).
- For inconvenience: unangenehm (unpleasant), lästig (annoying/tiresome), beschwerlich (arduous), mühsam (laborious).
- For a person’s character: schwierig (difficult), kritisch (critical), widerspenstig (unruly/stubborn).
Antonyms
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Examples
Der Stuhl ist ziemlich unbequem.adjective
The chair is quite uncomfortable.
Trägst du heute diese unbequemen Schuhe?adjective
Are you wearing those uncomfortable shoes today?
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