Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sweet; gentle; mild: Describes a character, manner, or quality that is pleasantly kind, tender, and not harsh or severe. It often implies a softness that is comforting and agreeable.
   • Graceful; soft: Refers to movements, gestures, or speech that are smooth, elegant, and delicate in a pleasing way.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy có tính cách rất dịu dàng. (She has a very gentle personality.)
  • Mẹ nói chuyện với con bằng giọng dịu dàng. (The mother speaks to her child in a soft voice.)
  • Những cử chỉ dịu dàng của anh ấy khiến cô ấy cảm động. (His gentle gestures moved her.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to describe traditionally feminine virtues or qualities in a positive, appreciative way, but it can be applied to anyone or anything exhibiting softness.
• It can describe abstract things like light, music, or colors to mean "soft" or "mellow."
  • Ánh sáng dịu dàng của buổi hoàng hôn. (The gentle light of the sunset.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dịu (adj): to subside, to calm down, to become less intense (e.g., pain, storm, sound). While related, "dịu" focuses more on the reduction of force, whereas "dịu dàng" describes an inherent gentle quality.
  • Cơn bão đã dịu đi. (The storm has subsided.)
• Hiền dịu (adj): a compound meaning gentle and kind, often used interchangeably with "dịu dàng" but sometimes emphasizing a docile nature.

Synonyms

• Gentle: mild and kind in temperament or behavior.
• Sweet: pleasant, kind, and charming.
• Tender: showing gentleness, kindness, and affection.
• Soft: not loud, harsh, or intense.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Dịu dàng, đằm thắm: A common paired phrase meaning "gentle and deep/demure," often used to describe a woman's gracious and profound demeanor.
  • Người phụ nữ ấy dịu dàng, đằm thắm. (That woman is gentle and demure.)

adj

1. sweet; graceful
   • cử chỉ dịu dàng
     solf manners