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synonym Comparative
くすぐったい
VS
煙たい

Differences Between "くすぐったい" and "煙たい"

Option A
くすぐったい
Meaning
ticklish; (feeling) embarrassed; awkward; shy
Reading
くすぐったい (kusuguttai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
みんなの前で褒められて、なんだかくすぐったい気持ちになった。
I felt a bit embarrassed/shy being praised in front of everyone.
Option B
煙たい
Meaning
smoky; stifling; awkward; feeling out of place
Reading
けむたい (kemutai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
上司の彼が近くにいると、何だか煙たくて集中できない。
When my boss is nearby, I feel a bit stifled and can't concentrate.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(ticklish; (feeling) embarrassed; awkward; shy)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- くすぐったい: 物理的に体が「くすぐったい」と感じる場合と、褒められたり注目されたりして「照れくさい」「気恥ずかしい」と感じる精神的な状況の両方に使われます。
- 煙たい: Can describe physical discomfort from smoke, or more abstractly, a feeling of being suffocated or ill-at-ease due to someone's presence, especially when they are overbearing, critical, or difficult to deal with. Often used when someone's aura or presence makes you uncomfortable.
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