Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Regular, steady, even: Describes something that occurs at consistent intervals or with a uniform rhythm.
   • Plump, full, well-rounded: Describes a pleasingly full and rounded shape, often used for cheeks or fruit.

2. Adverb:

   • Regularly, steadily: Used to indicate that an action is performed in a consistent, even manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Nhịp tim đập rất đặn. (The heartbeat is very steady.)
  • Cô ấy có đôi má đặn đầy. (She has full, plump cheeks.)

• Adverb:

  • Anh ấy tập thể dục đều đặn mỗi sáng. (He exercises regularly every morning.)
  • Mưa rơi lộp độp một cách đặn đều. (The rain fell with a steady pitter-patter.)

Advanced Usage

• "đều đặn": This is the most common compound form, meaning "regularly" or "steadily." It emphasizes consistent repetition.

  • Cô ấy đến thư viện đều đặn hàng tuần. (She comes to the library regularly every week.)

• "nói đặn": A less common, idiomatic usage meaning to speak in a way that anticipates and counters someone's argument, to preempt or "take the wind out of someone's sails."

  • Nói đặn trẻ con, dỗ ngon người dại. (To take the wind out of children's sails and coax the gullible.) – A proverb.

Variants and Related Words

• Đều đặn (adv): Regularly, steadily. This is the standard adverbial form.
• Cân đặn: An older or dialectal variant similar to "cân đối," meaning balanced, symmetrical.

Synonyms

• Đều (adj/adv): Even, uniform, regularly.
• Nhịp nhàng (adj): Rhythmic.
• Tròn trịa (adj): Plump, round (for shape).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary and most frequent meaning relates to regularity and steadiness (đều đặn).
• The meaning related to shape (plump, full) is also common.
• The idiomatic verbal use ("nói đặn") is specialized and found in proverbs or specific contexts, meaning to speak in a preemptive or disarming manner.

1. Anticipate (someone's thoughts...), take the wind out of (someone's) sails
   • Nói đặn trẻ con, dỗ ngon người dại (tục ngữ)
     To take the wind out of children's sails and coax the gullible