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PhrasesFlirting in ItalianMi metti in imbarazzo quando mi guardi così.
B1informal

Mi metti in imbarazzo quando mi guardi così.

You embarrass me when you look at me like that.

Pronunciation

mi MET-ti in im-ba-RAZ-zo kwan-do mi GUAR-di ko-ZI — stress on 'met-', 'raz-', 'guar-', 'zi'. 'Imbarazzo' has four syllables: im-ba-RAZ-zo.

When to use it

Said when someone's gaze is making you blush or feel shy — a playful acknowledgement of mutual attraction.

What it means

'Mi metti in imbarazzo' = you embarrass me / you make me uncomfortable in a warm way. 'Quando mi guardi così' = when you look at me like that. 'Così' = like that, in this way. The phrase is a flirtatious complaint — you are not actually upset.

Variations

Smettila di guardarmi così — mi fai arrossire.

Stop looking at me like that — you're making me blush.

'Arrossire' = to blush — a physical response that signals genuine reaction

Con quello sguardo non riesco a stare seria/o.

With that look I can't stay serious.

Losing composure is a sign of genuine attraction

Perché mi guardi con quegli occhi?

Why do you look at me with those eyes?

'Quegli occhi' — 'those eyes' — implies the gaze is special and affecting

Mini Dialogue

— Mi metti in imbarazzo quando mi guardi così. — Non volevo. — Sì che volevi. — Forse un po'. Stai benissimo — è difficile non guardarti.

— You embarrass me when you look at me like that. — I didn't mean to. — Yes you did. — Maybe a little. You look wonderful — it's hard not to look at you.

Cultural Note

Blushing ('arrossire') is seen as charming and genuine in Italian culture — it is evidence of real feeling rather than composure. Pointing it out playfully creates intimacy and acknowledges the effect you are having on each other without saying it directly.