Definition

1. Verb: To sulk mildly; to show mild, subtle, or hidden displeasure, often expressed through slightly sharp or sarcastic words rather than overt anger. It describes a state of being quietly resentful or offended.

Usage

• This word is used to describe a specific, subtle type of sulking common in interpersonal relationships. It implies the person is upset but not enough to have a full-blown argument; instead, they might make indirect, slightly sharp, or "sweet-and-sour" remarks.
• It often carries a nuance of being somewhat childish, coquettish, or a way to seek attention without directly stating the problem.
• Common Collocations: (to sulk mildly at someone), (to be angry and sulk mildly), (to speak with mild sulkiness).

Examples

• Động từ (Verb):
  • Cô ấy chỉ hờn mát một chút vì anh quên ngày kỷ niệm. (She just sulked mildly a bit because he forgot their anniversary.)
  • Đừng hờn mát nữa, anh xin lỗi mà. (Don't sulk anymore, I said I'm sorry.)
  • Nghe giọng nói hờn mát của con, mẹ biết nó đang không vui. (Hearing the child's slightly sulky tone, the mother knew he was unhappy.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "hờn mát" perfectly captures a nuanced emotional state common in Vietnamese communication, where direct confrontation is sometimes avoided. It sits between being slightly hurt () and openly angry ().
• It can sometimes be used in a slightly affectionate or teasing context, especially in romantic relationships or with children, implying the sulk is not serious.

Variants and Related Words

• Hờn (Verb): To sulk, to be resentful. This is the root verb, with "mát" adding the nuance of being mild, subtle, or "cool."
• Hờn dỗi (Verb): To sulk and pout. This is very close in meaning but often implies more visible pouting or childish behavior than "hờn mát."
• Giận hờn (Verb): To be angry and sulky.
• Mát mẻ (Adj, Literally: cool, fresh): The word "mát" in "hờn mát" borrows this sense of being "cool" or not "hot" with anger, implying a subdued emotion.

Synonyms

• Sulk: (làm bộ, hờn dỗi) - The closest direct translation, though "sulk" alone may not always convey the subtle, indirect verbal aspect.
• Pout: (bĩu môi, hờn dỗi) - Emphasizes the facial expression.
• Be miffed: (hơi bực, khó chịu) - Informal, means to be slightly annoyed.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Hờn mát nói dai: To keep making mildly sulky/sarcastic remarks persistently. This phrase emphasizes the verbal, nagging aspect of "hờn mát."
  • Suốt buổi tối cô ấy cứ hờn mát nói dai về chuyện đó. (All evening, she kept making persistent, mildly sulky remarks about that matter.)

1. Sulk mildly