becomes uncomfortable

[bɪˈkʌmz ˌʌnˈkʌmfərtəbəl]
verb phrase
fica desconfortável / torna-se desconfortável
1. to start feeling or appearing awkward, embarrassed, or physically uneasy
The conversation becomes uncomfortable when politics are discussed.
A conversa fica desconfortável quando a política é discutida.
2. to transition into a state of physical discomfort or unease
The situation becomes uncomfortable as tensions rise between the two parties.
A situação se torna desconfortável conforme as tensões aumentam entre as duas partes.
3. to develop an awkward or strained quality in social interaction
Things become uncomfortable after his insensitive remark.
As coisas ficam desconfortáveis depois do seu comentário insensível.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe social situations that shift from pleasant to strained. In Brazil, 'fica desconfortável' is widely understood, though younger speakers may prefer the more colloquial 'fica chato' or 'fica estranho'. In Portugal, 'incómodo' is more frequently used than 'desconfortável'. The concept reflects universal human experiences of social discomfort across cultures.
NYC Slang
gets weird / gets awkward / things get tense
Synonyms / Sinônimos
gets awkwardturns uncomfortablegrows tensebecomes awkwardturns strained
Antonyms / Antônimos
becomes comfortableeases uprelaxesbecomes pleasantimproves

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
fica desconfortável / torna-se desconfortável
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
fica estranho / fica chato
More colloquial alternative, 'chato' is often used for awkward situations
São Paulo
fica desconfortável / fica constrangedor
'Constrangedor' emphasizes the embarrassing aspect
Portugal
torna-se desconfortável / fica incómodo
'Incómodo' is the preferred term in European Portuguese

Related Words

discomfortawkwardnesstensionembarrassmentuneaseuneasiness

Related Idioms & Phrases

things get uncomfortable
the air becomes tense
awkward silence falls
it gets awkward
things turn sour
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →