Definition

Adjective: 1. Tranquil and gentle; serene; placid: Describes a state, atmosphere, or feeling that is peaceful, calm, and pleasantly gentle, without disturbance or harshness. 2. Fond; pleasant (of memories): Describes memories that are cherished, sweet, and recalled with gentle affection.

Usage Examples

• The weather today is very êm đềm, with a gentle breeze and warm sunshine.
• She has many êm đềm memories of her childhood in the countryside.
• The river flows êm đềm under the moonlight.
• After the storm, the sea became êm đềm again.
• He spoke in an êm đềm voice that calmed everyone down.

Advanced Usage

• "sống một cuộc sống êm đềm": to live a peaceful/placid life.
  • The retired couple wishes to live a peaceful life in their hometown.
• "giữ lại những kỷ niệm êm đềm": to keep/treasured fond memories.
  • She keeps the fond memories of her school days in a diary.

Variants and Related Words

• Êm ái (adj): Soft, gentle, soothing (often for touch or sound). It emphasizes a pleasant, comforting quality.
  • A soft blanket; a soothing lullaby.
• Êm ả (adj): Calm, tranquil, serene (often for landscapes or atmospheres). It emphasizes visual peace and stillness.
  • A tranquil village scene.
• Dịu êm (adj): Gentle and soft; mild and soothing. A close synonym often used interchangeably.
  • A gentle personality; mild weather.

Synonyms

• Thanh bình (adj): Peaceful (often on a larger scale, like a region or era).
• Yên tĩnh (adj): Quiet, silent. Focuses on the absence of noise.
• Nhẹ nhàng (adj): Gentle, light. Can describe actions, manners, or feelings.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Xuôi mái êm đềm": Smooth sailing; proceeding very smoothly and without problems.
  • I hope your new project will proceed smoothly.
• "Sóng yên biển lặng" (a related idiom): Literally "calm waves, still sea"; meaning a state of complete peace and tranquility, often after turmoil.
  • After resolving the conflict, their relationship returned to a state of complete peace.

adj

1. screne; fond; pleasant
   • giữ một kỷ niệm êm đềm của ai đó
     To keep a fond memory of someone