dõng lưng

dõng lưng

Anh ấy dõng lưng lên để khiêng chiếc bàn nặng.

Definition

  1. Verb:

    • To straighten one's back: The primary meaning of "dõng lưng" is to straighten or arch one's back, often to appear taller, more imposing, or to prepare for physical exertion.
    • To brace oneself: It can also mean to brace or stiffen one's back, typically in a posture of defiance, readiness, or to bear a burden.

  2. Adjective (Archaic/Colloquial):

    • Lazy, indolent: In some older or regional usage, "dõng lưng" can describe a person who is lazy or slothful, often depicted as lying around or being inactive. This meaning aligns with the historical reference of "paresseux; fainéant."
Usage Examples

  • Verb:

    • Anh ấy dõng lưng lên để khiêng chiếc bàn nặng. (He straightened his back to carry the heavy table.)
    • Cậu bé dõng lưng đứng thẳng khi bị giáo viên khiển trách. (The boy braced his back and stood straight when reprimanded by the teacher.)

  • Adjective:

    • Thằng bé suốt ngày dõng lưng ra đó, chẳng chịu làm gì cả. (That boy is lazy all day long, refusing to do anything.) [Note: This usage is less common in modern standard Vietnamese].
Advanced Usage

  • "dõng lưng chống cự": to brace oneself to resist.

    • Người lính dõng lưng chống cự lại kẻ thù. (The soldier braced himself to resist the enemy.)

  • "dõng lưng lên mà làm": straighten your back and get to work (an exhortation).

    • Đừng có ì ra, dõng lưng lên mà làm đi! (Don't laze around, straighten your back and get to work!)
Variants and Related Words

  • Dõng dạc (adj): Sonorous, dignified (often describing voice or posture). While related to confident bearing, it is a distinct word.

    • Giọng nói dõng dạc (a sonorous voice).

  • Lưng (n): Back (the body part).

  • Ưỡn lưng (v): To arch one's back (often in a stretch or in a specific posture).
Synonyms
  • Đứng thẳng lưng: to stand up straight.
  • Ưỡn người: to arch one's body/back.
  • Lười biếng (for the adjectival meaning): lazy, indolent.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
  • Dõng người lên: Similar to "dõng lưng," meaning to straighten one's whole body.
    • Cô ấy dõng người lên với vẻ tự tin. (She straightened up with an air of confidence.)
Related Idioms
  • Dõng lưng chịu đòn: to brace one's back to receive punishment (figuratively, to accept consequences or blame).
    • Sai thì phải dõng lưng chịu đòn, đừng đổ lỗi. (If you're wrong, you must accept the consequences, don't shift the blame.)