Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Baffled, disconcerted, taken aback: Describes a state of being momentarily stunned, speechless, or at a loss because something happens suddenly contrary to one's firm expectations or confidence, leading to a feeling of disappointment or deflation.
   • Crestfallen, deflated: Conveys a sense of being let down, having one's enthusiasm or hopes dashed abruptly.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nghe tin dự án bị hủy, anh ấy đứng chưng hửng một lúc lâu. (Upon hearing the news that the project was canceled, he stood there, baffled for a long time.)
  • Cô ấy trả lời chưng hửng khi bị chất vấn bất ngờ. (She gave a disconcerted reply when questioned unexpectedly.)
  • Kế hoạch đi chơi đột ngột thay đổi khiến lũ trẻ chưng hửng. (The sudden change in the outing plan left the children crestfallen.)

Advanced Usage

• "Vẻ chưng hửng": a baffled/disconcerted look or expression.
  • Trên khuôn mặt anh ta hiện rõ vẻ chưng hửng. (A clearly disconcerted look appeared on his face.)
• "Đứng chưng hửng": to stand speechless/taken aback.
  • Nghe câu trả lời ấy, tôi đứng chưng hửng không biết nói gì. (Hearing that answer, I stood there speechless, not knowing what to say.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tưng hửng: A variant with identical meaning and usage to "chưng hửng".
  • Mọi người đều tưng hửng trước quyết định đột ngột đó. (Everyone was taken aback by that sudden decision.)

Synonyms

• Bối rối: Flustered, confused (less specific to sudden disappointment).
• Ngỡ ngàng: Astonished, surprised (more neutral, can be positive or negative).
• Hẫng hụt: To feel a sudden loss or void (emphasizes the feeling of emptiness after a letdown).
• Thất vọng: Disappointed (a more general term for disappointment).

Notes on Meaning

• Core Feeling: The word strongly implies a psychological state where one is caught off guard because reality contradicts a previously held certainty or confident expectation. The result is a mix of surprise, deflation, and temporary mental paralysis.
• Nuance: "Chưng hửng" often describes a reaction visible in one's demeanor or expression (standing still, speechless, a blank look), not just an internal feeling. It is typically used for minor or moderate setbacks, not profound tragedies.

1. Như tưng hửng