Definitions

1. Verb phrase:
   • To feel rested (as from stretching one's legs or lying down): Refers to the pleasant physical sensation of relaxation and relief in the muscles and bones after a period of inactivity, stiffness, or exertion, often achieved through stretching or resting.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Đứng vẽ mãi, nằm một chút cho giãn xương. (I've been standing and painting for so long; I'll lie down for a bit to rest my body / to feel rested.)
  • Sau chuyến bay dài, tôi cần đi bộ một lát cho giãn xương. (After the long flight, I need to walk for a while to stretch my legs and feel rested.)
  • Ngồi làm việc cả ngày, tối về tôi thường tập vài động tác thể dục cho giãn xương. (Sitting and working all day, I usually do a few exercises in the evening to loosen up my joints / to feel rested.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "cho giãn xương" is commonly used to express the purpose or desired result of an action (like lying down, walking, or stretching). It emphasizes achieving physical comfort and relief.
  • Hãy dừng lại nghỉ ngơi một chút cho giãn xương. (Let's stop and rest for a bit to relax our bodies.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giãn cơ (Verb phrase): To stretch one's muscles; to relieve muscle tension. While "giãn xương" implies a deeper, skeletal relaxation, "giãn cơ" focuses specifically on the muscles.
  • Sau khi chạy bộ, nhớ giãn cơ để tránh bị đau. (After running, remember to stretch your muscles to avoid soreness.)
• Nghỉ ngơi (Verb): To rest. This is a more general term for taking a break, which can include the concept of "giãn xương".
  • Anh ấy đang nghỉ ngơi trên ghế sofa. (He is resting on the sofa.)

Synonyms

• Thư giãn (Verb): To relax. This is a broader synonym that can refer to both mental and physical relaxation.
• Làm dịu cơ thể (Verb phrase): To soothe/relax the body.

Notes on Meaning

• "Giãn xương" is an idiomatic expression. A literal translation like "to stretch bones" does not fully capture its meaning. It describes the feeling of physical relief and comfort after being in a fixed position or after physical strain. The closest English equivalents are descriptive phrases like "to feel rested," "to stretch one's legs," "to loosen up," or "to rest one's body."

1. feel rested (as from stretching one's legs or lying down...)
   • Đứng vẽ mãi, nằm một chút cho giãn xương
     To lie downn and rest one's body after painting standing for a long stretch