Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Coy; shy; bashful: Describes a demure, modest, and slightly timid manner, often characterized by a gentle reluctance or hesitation in social interaction, typically due to shyness or a sense of propriety. This term is most commonly used to describe the demeanor of women or girls.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô dâu trông thật e lệ. (The bride looks very coy.)
  • Cô ấy cười một cách e lệ khi được khen. (She smiled bashfully when complimented.)
  • Ánh mắt e lệ của cô gái mới đến. (The shy glance of the new girl.)

Advanced Usage

• The term e lệ often carries a positive, delicate, and traditionally feminine connotation. It describes a graceful shyness that is seen as charming or virtuous, rather than a fearful or anxious timidity.

Variants and Related Words

• E thẹn (adj): shy, ashamed, abashed. Often used interchangeably with , but can imply a stronger feeling of shame or embarrassment.
• Rụt rè (adj): timid, hesitant. Describes a general cautiousness or reluctance to act, not specifically tied to feminine modesty.
• Bẽn lẽn (adj): bashful, sheepish. Similar to but can sometimes suggest a more awkward or flustered shyness.

Synonyms

• Shy: nervous or timid in the company of other people.
• Bashful: reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.
• Coy: making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is often intended to be alluring.
• Demure: reserved, modest, and shy (often of a woman or girl).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Làm duyên làm dáng: to act in a coy or coquettish manner. This phrase describes putting on a show of shyness or affectation, which can be related to but is more deliberate than the natural state of .
  • Cô ấy không e lệ mà đang làm duyên làm dáng thôi. (She's not being bashful; she's just acting coy.)

adj

1. coy; shy; bashful