Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Forced or strained: Describes an action, behavior, or situation that is not natural, spontaneous, or comfortable, but is done out of necessity, obligation, or external pressure. It conveys a sense of awkwardness and lack of ease.
   • Constrained: Refers to a manner or effort that is visibly unnatural and requires conscious, often difficult, effort to maintain.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nụ cười của cô ấy trông rất gượng ép. (Her smile looked very forced.)
  • Họ đồng ý một cách gượng ép để tránh tranh cãi. (They agreed in a strained manner to avoid an argument.)
  • Cuộc trò chuyện diễn ra trong không khí gượng ép. (The conversation took place in a forced/awkward atmosphere.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to critique social interactions, artistic performances, or emotional expressions that lack authenticity and seem artificial due to compulsion.

Variants and Related Words

• Gượng (adj/adverb): To do something with effort despite difficulty or reluctance; to manage or cope awkwardly.
  • Anh ấy gượng dậy sau cơn bệnh. (He struggled to get up after his illness.)
• Ép (verb): To force, to compel, to press.
  • Đừng ép trẻ ăn. (Don't force the child to eat.)

Synonyms

• Forced: Done against one's will; not natural.
• Strained: Showing signs of nervous tension or effort.
• Constrained: Stiff, unnatural, or restricted.
• Unnatural: Artificial and not spontaneous.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Gượng gạo: Similar to "gượng ép," meaning awkward, forced, or not smooth. It often describes an uncomfortable manner or a clumsy attempt.
  • Lời xin lỗi của anh ta nghe rất gượng gạo. (His apology sounded very awkward and forced.)

1. Forced