cau cảu
Definition
- Adjective:
- Grumpy, grouchy, irritable: Describes a person who is easily annoyed, often complaining or showing displeasure in a sullen, frowning manner.
- Sulky, peevish: Refers to a bad-tempered or cross disposition, often manifested through facial expressions and curt speech.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy thức dậy với tâm trạng cau cảu. (He woke up in a grumpy mood.)
- Đừng có cau cảu với tôi như thế! (Don't be so grouchy with me!)
- Cô ấy trả lời một cách cau cảu vì bị làm phiền. (She answered peevishly because she was disturbed.)
Advanced Usage
- Used to describe habitual temperament: Often describes a person's characteristic irritable nature.
- Ông lão sống một mình và ngày càng trở nên cau cảu. (The old man lives alone and is becoming increasingly cantankerous.)
- Describes facial expression: Can specifically refer to a scowling, frowning face that shows irritation.
- Gương mặt cau cảu của anh ta khiến mọi người không dám lại gần. (His sullen face made people dare not approach.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cau có (adj): This is a more common variant with the same meaning—grumpy, frowning, irritable. "Cau cảu" might carry a slightly more childish or persistently whiny nuance.
- Sao hôm nay anh cau có thế? (Why are you so grumpy today?)
- Nhăn nhó (v): To grimace, to make a face (often due to pain or displeasure). Focuses more on the physical facial expression than the temperament.
- Đứa trẻ nhăn nhó vì không muốn ăn rau. (The child grimaced because he didn't want to eat vegetables.)
Synonyms
- Gắt gỏng (adj): irritable, short-tempered.
- Bẳn tính (adj): ill-tempered, crabby.
- Khó chịu (adj): unpleasant, annoyed (broader term, can apply to situations as well).
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Mặt mày cau có / cau cảu: To have a scowling face.
- Cả ngày hôm nay anh ta cứ mặt mày cau có. (He has had a scowling face all day today.)
- Giọng điệu cau cảu: A grumbling, peevish tone of voice.
- Cô ấy trả lời bằng một giọng điệu cau cảu. (She replied in a grumbling tone.)