cung cúc
Definition
- Adverb:
- Without saying a word; silently; without uttering a sound: Describes an action performed in complete silence, without any verbal communication or protest.
- Obediently; compliantly; without objection: Describes carrying out a task or order without complaint, argument, or hesitation.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Anh ấy ngồi cung cúc nghe lời phê bình. (He sat silently listening to the criticism.)
- Cô bé cung cúc làm theo mọi yêu cầu của mẹ. (The little girl obediently followed all of her mother's requests.)
- Cả đội làm việc cung cúc không một lời than phiền. (The whole team worked diligently without a single complaint.)
Advanced Usage
"cung cúc chịu đựng": to endure/suffer silently.
- Bà ấy cung cúc chịu đựng mọi khó khăn một mình. (She silently endured all the hardships alone.)
"cung cúc vâng lời": to obey dutifully.
- Đứa trẻ cung cúc vâng lời cha mẹ. (The child obeys his parents dutifully.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cung kính (adj): respectful; reverent. (Note: This is a related word but has a different core meaning centered on respect, not silence.)
- Cúc cung (adv): This is a less common variant with the same meaning as "cung cúc".
Synonyms
- Lặng lẽ: quietly, silently.
- Ngoan ngoãn: obediently, well-behaved.
- Vâng lời: obediently (specifically to an order).
Related Idioms
- "Câm như hến": (to be) as silent as a clam; meaning completely silent. This idiom emphasizes silence, while "cung cúc" often implies silent or .
- "Ngậm miệng ăn tiền": to keep one's mouth shut and take the money; meaning to remain silent about something, often for a benefit. This implies a conscious choice to be silent, whereas "cung cúc" describes a manner of action.