Definition

1. Adjective (Tính từ):
   • Flexible, pliable, supple: Describes an object or material that is easily bent, twisted, or folded without breaking. It emphasizes a soft, yielding quality.
   • Tenacious, persistent, clinging (figurative): Describes a person's attitude or behavior that is stubbornly persistent, sticking to something or someone closely and relentlessly.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sợi dây thun này rất deo dẻo. (This rubber band is very flexible.)
  • Cô ấy có tính cách rất deo dẻo, không bao giờ chịu từ bỏ. (She has a very tenacious personality, never giving up.)
  • Bột nhào đã trở nên deo dẻo và mịn. (The dough has become supple and smooth.)

Advanced Usage

• "deo dẻo bám theo": to follow someone persistently or cling to someone tenaciously.

  • Đứa trẻ deo dẻo bám theo mẹ suốt cả ngày. (The child clung to his mother persistently all day.)

• "lời nói deo dẻo": soft, persuasive, or insistent words.

  • Với những lời nói deo dẻo, cuối cùng cô ấy cũng thuyết phục được anh ta. (With her soft, persuasive words, she finally convinced him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dẻo (adj): The root word meaning flexible, pliable, or elastic.

  • Cao su là chất liệu rất dẻo. (Rubber is a very elastic material.)

• Dai dẳng (adj): Persistent, prolonged (often for negative situations like illness or conflict). This is a close synonym for the figurative meaning of persistence but often with a more negative connotation.

  • Cơn ho dai dẳng kéo dài cả tuần. (The persistent cough lasted a whole week.)

Synonyms

• Mềm dẻo (adj): Flexible, supple (literally); tactful, diplomatic (figuratively).
• Bền bỉ (adj): Persevering, enduring.
• Lì lợm (adj): Stubborn, obstinate (often with a negative tone).

Related Phrases

• Dẻo quẹo (adj, colloquial): Very flexible or pliable; can also mean overly accommodating or fawning.
  • Anh ta dẻo quẹo trước mặt sếp. (He is overly fawning in front of the boss.)

1. xem dẻo (láy)