Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To lower one's tone / to soften one's tone: To speak in a calmer, less angry, or less harsh manner than before, often to de-escalate a conflict or to show a change from a previously aggressive or stern attitude.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Sau khi cãi nhau, anh ấy đã dịu giọng và xin lỗi. (After arguing, he lowered his tone and apologized.)
  • Giáo viên dịu giọng khi thấy học sinh sợ hãi. (The teacher softened her tone when she saw the student was frightened.)
  • Hãy dịu giọng xuống và nói chuyện một cách bình tĩnh. (Please lower your tone and talk calmly.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a deliberate and noticeable change in vocal quality and attitude during a conversation or confrontation. It is a conscious act of moderation.

Variants and Related Words

• Dịu dàng (adj): gentle, tender. Describes a naturally soft and kind manner, whereas "dịu giọng" describes the act of making one's tone soft.

  • Cô ấy nói chuyện rất dịu dàng. (She speaks very gently.)

• Hạ giọng (verb phrase): to lower one's voice (in volume or pitch). This can be more literal about sound level, while "dịu giọng" focuses more on emotional quality.

  • Anh ấy hạ giọng để nói điều bí mật. (He lowered his voice to tell a secret.)

Synonyms

• To moderate one's tone: To make one's manner of speaking less extreme or intense.
• To speak more gently: To talk in a kinder, softer way.
• To relent (verbally): To become less severe or strict in speech.

Related Idioms

• Xuống nước (verb phrase): to yield, to back down, to become more conciliatory. This is a broader term for conceding in an argument, which may include "dịu giọng" as one action.
  • Cuối cùng, anh ta cũng xuống nước và đồng ý. (Finally, he backed down and agreed.)

1. Lower the tone, soften the tone