Definition

1. Verb:
   • To coax: To gently and patiently persuade someone, often a child or someone upset, to do something or to calm down.
   • To soothe: To calm or comfort someone, especially by speaking kindly or offering something pleasant, in order to gain their compliance or stop them from being upset.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mẹ dỗ dành em bé để nó ngừng khóc. (The mother soothed the baby to stop it from crying.)
  • Anh ấy dỗ dành cô ấy bằng một món quà nhỏ. (He coaxed her with a small gift.)
  • Cô giáo dỗ dành học sinh vào lớp. (The teacher coaxed the students into the classroom.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often implies a gentle, manipulative, or strategic kindness aimed at achieving a specific result, such as obedience or calmness. It is frequently used in contexts involving children, romantic partners, or anyone in a vulnerable or emotional state.

Variants and Related Words

• Dỗ (v): A shorter, more common form meaning to coax or pacify, often used interchangeably with "dỗ dành" but can sound slightly more casual or direct.
  • Bà dỗ cháu bằng kẹo. (The grandmother pacified her grandchild with candy.)

Synonyms

• Coax: To persuade gently.
• Soothe: To calm or comfort.
• Pacify: To bring peace or calm to.
• Cajole: To persuade with flattery or gentle urging.

Related Idioms

• Dỗ ngon dỗ ngọt: To use sweet talk or very gentle, flattering persuasion.
  • Phải dỗ ngon dỗ ngọt nó mới chịu ăn. (You have to use sweet talk to get him to eat.)

1. Soothe (someone) into obedience, soothe (someone) into listening to one, coax