Definition

Tính từ (Adjective) / Danh từ (Noun): - Playful, frolicsome, full of mischievous and lively energy: Describes a state or behavior of being extremely playful, mischievously energetic, and often joyfully boisterous. It implies a sense of lighthearted, unrestrained fun. - A jump or leap of joy: Refers to the specific action of jumping for joy, often in a playful or exuberant manner.

Usage Examples

• As an adjective:

  • Thằng bé đó cà tưng lắm, suốt ngày chạy nhảy. (That boy is very playful/frolicsome, running and jumping all day.)
  • Tính nó cà tưng, lúc nào cũng nghĩ ra trò đùa. (She has a mischievously lively personality, always thinking of pranks.)

• As a noun (in the phrase "nhảy cà tưng"):

  • Nghe tin vui, nó nhảy cà tưng lên vì sung sướng. (Hearing the good news, he jumped for joy out of happiness.)
  • Bọn trẻ nhảy cà tưng trong sân. (The children are jumping around playfully in the yard.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "cà tưng" is most commonly and naturally used in the fixed phrase "nhảy cà tưng". While it can function alone as an adjective, its usage is deeply tied to this expressive idiom meaning "to jump about joyfully/playfully".
• It often carries a connotation of childlike, innocent, and somewhat chaotic energy.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghịch ngợm (adj): Mischievous, naughty. (Focuses more on the naughty aspect rather than the joyful energy.)
• Tinh nghịch (adj): Playful, frolicsome. (A very close synonym, often interchangeable with "cà tưng".)
• Hiếu động (adj): Hyperactive, energetic. (Focuses on the high level of physical activity.)

Synonyms

• Tinh nghịch: Playful, frolicsome.
• Nghịch ngợm: Mischievous.
• Háo hức: Excited, eager. (Shares the excited energy but not necessarily the physical playfulness.)

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Nhảy cà tưng: To jump for joy; to jump around playfully and excitedly.
  • This is the primary and most important phrase containing "cà tưng".

1. nhảy cà tưng To jump of joy