Definition

1. Adjective/Verb (to be in a state of):
   • To be sulky, to be in a sulk, to be in a huff: A state of silent, childish, or petty anger, often displayed by someone who feels slighted, usually within a close relationship. It involves being upset and withdrawing communication or affection temporarily.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ giận dỗi mẹ vì không được mua đồ chơi. (The child is sulking with its mother because it didn't get a toy.)
  • Hai vợ chồng giận dỗi nhau cả tuần không nói chuyện. (The husband and wife were in a sulk with each other and didn't talk for a whole week.)
  • Cô ấy ngồi giận dỗi một góc. (She sat in a huff in a corner.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "giận dỗi" specifically implies a temporary, often performative anger common in intimate or familial relationships (e.g., between spouses, lovers, parents and children, or close friends). It is less severe than deep, lasting anger ("giận") and often expects the other party to notice and appease.

Variants and Related Words

• Hờn dỗi (adj/v): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "giận dỗi", emphasizing a mix of resentment and sulkiness.
  • Con bé đang hờn dỗi anh trai. (The little girl is sulking resentfully at her brother.)

Synonyms

• To sulk: To be silent, morose, and bad-tempered out of annoyance or disappointment.
• To be in a sulk/huff: To be in a temporary state of offended silence or irritation.
• To pout: To show displeasure by pushing out the lips, often associated with "giận dỗi".

Related Idioms

• Làm mặt giận dỗi: To put on a sulky face.
  • Nó làm mặt giận dỗi khi bị mẹ mắng. (He put on a sulky face when scolded by his mother.)

1. Be in te sulks, be sulky
   • Hai vợ chồng giận dỗi nhau
     Husband and wife were sulky with each other