Definition

1. Verb:
   • To force a smile: To smile in a strained, unnatural, or unconvincing manner, typically to hide one's true feelings of unhappiness, displeasure, embarrassment, or discomfort.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy chỉ biết cười gượng khi nhận được món quà không mong đợi. (She could only force a smile when receiving the unwanted gift.)
  • Nghe tin đó, anh ấy cười gượng và gật đầu. (Upon hearing that news, he forced a smile and nodded.)
  • Một nụ cười gượng xuất hiện trên khuôn mặt cậu bé. (A forced smile appeared on the boy's face.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often describes a non-verbal social response used to maintain politeness or conceal negative emotions in awkward, disappointing, or embarrassing situations. It implies a disconnect between one's outward expression and inner state.

Variants and Related Words

• Cười trừ (v): To respond with an evasive or dismissive smile, often instead of giving a direct answer.

  • Khi bị chất vấn, ông ấy chỉ cười trừ. (When questioned, he just gave an evasive smile.)

• Cười gằn (v): To laugh or smile in a bitter, scornful, or menacing way.

  • Hắn cười gằn rồi bỏ đi. (He gave a scornful laugh and then left.)

Synonyms

• To smile wanly: To smile in a weak, tired, or faint manner.
• To give a strained smile: To smile with visible effort or tension.
• To produce a hollow smile: To smile without genuine feeling or joy.

Related Idioms

• Cười ra nước mắt: To laugh until one cries; to describe a situation that is both laughable and deeply sad or painful.

  • Câu chuyện bi hài khiến tôi cười ra nước mắt. (The tragicomic story made me laugh until I cried.)

• Cười như mếu: To have an expression that is between crying and smiling; to look like one is about to cry while smiling.

  • Đứa trẻ cười như mếu khi bị chê. (The child had a tearful smile when criticized.)

verb

1. to force a smile