dán mũi
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To press one's nose (against something): To physically press one's nose, typically against a transparent surface like a window, often to look at something intently from a close distance. This action is commonly associated with children or with someone showing intense curiosity or longing.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Bọn trẻ dán mũi vào cửa kính cửa hàng đồ chơi. (The children pressed their noses against the toy store window.)
- Cô ấy dán mũi vào tủ kính để ngắm chiếc nhẫn kim cương. (She pressed her nose against the glass cabinet to admire the diamond ring.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is often used figuratively to imply someone is looking at something with great desire, envy, or fascination, but is unable to have or reach it.
- Nó chỉ biết dán mũi vào màn hình xem người ta chơi game. (He could only press his nose to the screen, watching others play games [implying he can't play himself].)
Variants and Related Words
- Dán mắt: To glue one's eyes (to something). This is a more common variant meaning to stare fixedly at something, like a screen or a book.
- Nó dán mắt vào điện thoại cả ngày. (He glues his eyes to his phone all day.)
Synonyms
- Áp mũi vào: To apply/press one's nose against. This is a more literal synonym.
- Nhìn chằm chằm: To stare fixedly. This is a general synonym for intense looking but does not imply the physical act of pressing against something.
Related Idioms
- While "dán mũi" itself is a descriptive phrase, it is conceptually related to idioms about intense focus or longing.
- Thèm nhỏ dãi: To drool with desire (for something). This idiom emphasizes craving rather than the physical act of looking.