Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Boiling over with suppressed anger, bursting with suppressed anger: Describes a state of being extremely angry or resentful but holding it in, not expressing it openly through words. This often manifests through visible bad mood, sullenness, or irritable behavior.
   • Sullen, sulky, resentful: Showing silent displeasure or irritation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy hậm hực vì bị sếp khiển trách trước mặt đồng nghiệp. (He was boiling over with suppressed anger because he was reprimanded by his boss in front of colleagues.)
  • Đứa trẻ ngồi hậm hực trong góc phòng vì không được mua đồ chơi. (The child sat sullenly in the corner of the room because he wasn't allowed to buy a toy.)
  • Cô ấy hậm hực cả ngày mà không nói một lời. (She was resentful/sulky all day without saying a word.)

Advanced Usage

• "hậm hà hậm hực" (reduplicative form): This is an intensified form of "hậm hực," expressing a stronger degree of suppressed anger and sullenness.
  • Nghe xong quyết định, anh ta hậm hà hậm hực bỏ về, không thèm nói gì thêm. (After hearing the decision, he stormed off in a furious sulk, not bothering to say anything more.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hậm hự (less common variant): A shorter, sometimes dialectal form with a similar meaning.
• Hờn dỗi: To sulk, to pout (often implies a more childish or petulant anger, and may involve some expression).
• Cáu kỉnh: Irritable, grumpy (focuses more on the easily annoyed state rather than specifically suppressed anger).

Synonyms

• Uất ức: To feel indignant, wronged, and resentful (often with a sense of injustice).
• Ấm ức: To feel hurt and resentful, to brood over a grievance.
• Bực tức: To be annoyed, irritated (can be expressed or suppressed).

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Key Distinction: "Hậm hực" specifically implies that the anger is suppressed or unspoken. The person is visibly upset—through facial expressions, attitude, or actions—but is not verbally expressing the anger. It is different from "giận dữ" (angry), which can be openly expressed.
• Typical Contexts: Often used when someone is angry about a perceived unfairness, a scolding, a denial of a wish, or a restriction, and they react by withdrawing into a silent, brooding, or irritable state.

1. Boil over with suppressed anger, burst with suppressed anger
   • Hậm hực vì bị cấm không được đi chơi
     To boil over with suppressed anger at beging forbidden to got out
   • Hậm hà hậm hực (láy, ý tăng)