dè
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To stint; to be sparing: To use something carefully and in small amounts, often to conserve resources.
- To spare; to treat with consideration: To refrain from harming, disturbing, or imposing on someone out of respect or caution.
- To suspect; to expect (especially in negative constructions): To have an anticipation or suspicion about something, often used to express an unexpected outcome.
Adverb:
- Sparingly; frugally: Describes the manner of doing something with careful economy.
Usage Examples
- Verb (to stint):
- Cô ấy dè từng đồng để tiết kiệm. (She stints every penny to save money.)
- Phải dè xẻn nước trong mùa khô. (One must use water sparingly during the dry season.)
- Verb (to spare/respect):
- Anh ta dè người lớn tuổi, không dám cãi lại. (He spares the elderly, not daring to talk back.)
- Verb (to suspect/expect):
- Tôi dè đâu anh ấy lại đến muộn. (Little did I expect he would arrive late.)
- Adverb:
- Họ ăn uống rất dè trong thời gian khó khăn. (They eat very sparingly during hard times.)
Advanced Usage
- "dè dặt": to be cautious, reserved, or discreet.
- Cô ấy trả lời một cách dè dặt. (She answered in a cautious manner.)
- "dè chừng": to be wary of, to watch out for.
- Hãy dè chừng những lời hứa hẹn đó. (Be wary of those promises.)
Variants and Related Words
- Dè xẻn (v): to economize, to use frugally.
- Dè xẻn chi tiêu là thói quen tốt. (Economizing on spending is a good habit.)
- Dè sẻn (v): a variant form meaning to be stingy or parsimonious.
Synonyms
- Stint: to restrict or be frugal.
- Spare: to refrain from harming or using.
- Economize: to use resources carefully.
- Anticipate: to expect (for the "suspect/expect" meaning).
Related Idioms
- Ăn dè ở bủi: to live very frugally and poorly.
- Gia đình ấy đã phải ăn dè ở bủi suốt mấy năm. (That family had to live in frugal poverty for several years.)
- Chém tre chẳng dè đầu mặt: (literally: to chop bamboo without sparing the tops) To act without consideration for others' feelings or status.