Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sorrowful / Melancholy: Describes a state of being quietly, deeply, and persistently sad, often with a sense of gloom or dejection that is not openly expressed but lingers.
   • Morose / Gloomy: Refers to a sullen, dismal, or somber mood or appearance, suggesting a downcast and cheerless state.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sau tin buồn, khuôn mặt cô ấy lúc nào cũng ủ ê. (After the sad news, her face was always sorrowful.)
  • Thời tiết âm u khiến tâm trạng mọi người trở nên ủ ê. (The gloomy weather made everyone's mood become melancholy.)
  • Anh ấy ngồi một mình với vẻ mặt ủ ê cả buổi. (He sat alone with a morose expression all afternoon.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "ủ ê" often describes an internal, lingering sadness that subtly manifests in one's demeanor or atmosphere, rather than intense, outburst grief. It is commonly used to depict prolonged emotional states or environments that induce sadness.

Variants and Related Words

• Buồn (adj): sad, unhappy. This is a more general term for sadness, while "ủ ê" implies a deeper, more subdued, and enduring gloom.
• Sầu muộn (adj): sorrowful, melancholic. A literary synonym that also conveys deep, pensive sadness.
• Âm thầm (adj): silent, quiet. Often combines with the concept in "ủ ê" to emphasize the quiet, unspoken nature of the sorrow.

Synonyms

• Melancholy: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.
• Gloomy: Dark, pessimistic, or dejected.
• Morose: Sullen, ill-tempered, and gloomy.
• Despondent: In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tâm trạng ủ ê: A gloomy state of mind.
  • Một ngày làm việc tồi tệ để lại cho anh ấy tâm trạng ủ ê. (A bad day at work left him in a gloomy state of mind.)
• Không khí ủ ê: A sorrowful/gloomy atmosphere.
  • Căn phòng tràn ngập không khí ủ ê sau cuộc tranh cãi. (The room was filled with a sorrowful atmosphere after the argument.)

adj

1. sorrowful