Definition

1. Verb:
   • To flirt, to court, to woo: "chim chuột" describes the affectionate, playful, or amorous actions between a man and a woman, often involving sweet talk, teasing, and romantic gestures to express interest or build intimacy.
   • To make love to, to engage in love-making: In a more specific and intimate context, "chim chuột" can refer to the act of physical lovemaking.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai người đó cứ ngồi chim chuột nhau cả buổi, chẳng chịu làm việc. (Those two just sat there flirting with each other all afternoon, not wanting to work.)
  • Anh ta chỉ giỏi chim chuột con gái chứ không nghiêm túc yêu đương. (He's only good at wooing girls but isn't serious about love.)
  • Đôi tình nhân trốn vào phòng riêng để chim chuột. (The lovers sneaked into a private room to make love.)

Advanced Usage

• "giở trò chim chuột": to start/indulge in flirtatious behavior or lovemaking.
  • Thấy không có ai, hắn liền giở trò chim chuột với cô ấy. (Seeing no one was around, he immediately started making advances towards her.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ve vãn (verb): To court, to woo. This is a close synonym often used interchangeably with "chim chuột" in the sense of romantic pursuit.
  • Chàng trai đang ve vãn cô gái. (The young man is courting the girl.)
• Tán tỉnh (verb): To flirt, to hit on someone.
  • Anh ấy đang cố tán tỉnh cô phục vụ. (He's trying to flirt with the waitress.)

Synonyms

• Làm tình (verb): To make love. (Specifically for the intimate meaning).
• Tán tỉnh (verb): To flirt.
• Tỏ tình (verb): To confess love, to profess one's affection.

Notes on Meaning and Register

• Dual Meaning: The word carries a spectrum of meaning from light, playful flirting ("ve vãn") to the physical act of lovemaking. The specific meaning is often clear from the context.
• Register: "Chim chuột" is an informal, colloquial term. It is not used in formal writing or speech. Its tone can range from playful and teasing to slightly vulgar or lewd, depending heavily on the context and the speaker's intent.

verb

1. To make love to, to woo
   • giở trò chim chuột
     to indulge in love-making