Definition

1. Verb:

   • To straighten one's back: The primary meaning of "dõng lưng" is to straighten or arch one's back, often to appear taller, more imposing, or to prepare for physical exertion.
   • To brace oneself: It can also mean to brace or stiffen one's back, typically in a posture of defiance, readiness, or to bear a burden.

2. Adjective (Archaic/Colloquial):

   • Lazy, indolent: In some older or regional usage, "dõng lưng" can describe a person who is lazy or slothful, often depicted as lying around or being inactive. This meaning aligns with the historical reference of "paresseux; fainéant."

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Anh ấy dõng lưng lên để khiêng chiếc bàn nặng. (He straightened his back to carry the heavy table.)
  • Cậu bé dõng lưng đứng thẳng khi bị giáo viên khiển trách. (The boy braced his back and stood straight when reprimanded by the teacher.)

• Adjective:

  • Thằng bé suốt ngày dõng lưng ra đó, chẳng chịu làm gì cả. (That boy is lazy all day long, refusing to do anything.) [Note: This usage is less common in modern standard Vietnamese].

Advanced Usage

• "dõng lưng chống cự": to brace oneself to resist.

  • Người lính dõng lưng chống cự lại kẻ thù. (The soldier braced himself to resist the enemy.)

• "dõng lưng lên mà làm": straighten your back and get to work (an exhortation).

  • Đừng có ì ra, dõng lưng lên mà làm đi! (Don't laze around, straighten your back and get to work!)

Variants and Related Words

• Dõng dạc (adj): Sonorous, dignified (often describing voice or posture). While related to confident bearing, it is a distinct word.

  • Giọng nói dõng dạc (a sonorous voice).

• Lưng (n): Back (the body part).

• Ưỡn lưng (v): To arch one's back (often in a stretch or in a specific posture).

Synonyms

• Đứng thẳng lưng: to stand up straight.
• Ưỡn người: to arch one's body/back.
• Lười biếng (for the adjectival meaning): lazy, indolent.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Dõng người lên: Similar to "dõng lưng," meaning to straighten one's whole body.
  • Cô ấy dõng người lên với vẻ tự tin. (She straightened up with an air of confidence.)

Related Idioms

• Dõng lưng chịu đòn: to brace one's back to receive punishment (figuratively, to accept consequences or blame).
  • Sai thì phải dõng lưng chịu đòn, đừng đổ lỗi. (If you're wrong, you must accept the consequences, don't shift the blame.)