Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Angrily spoiling for a fight; looking aggressive and ready to quarrel or fight: Describes a person's demeanor as sullen, fierce, and showing clear signs of being on the verge of anger or violence.
   • Glowering; having a threatening or menacing appearance: Indicates a facial expression or overall attitude that is hostile and intimidating.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta bước vào phòng với vẻ mặt hằm hè. (He entered the room with a glowering look.)
  • Đừng lại găn nó, trông nó hằm hè lắm. (Don't go near him; he looks like he's spoiling for a fight.)
  • Sao cậu lại hằm hè với mọi người thế? (Why are you so aggressive with everyone?)

Advanced Usage

• "mặt mày hằm hè": to have a sullen, angry face.
  • Cô ấy ngồi một góc với mặt mày hằm hè. (She sat in a corner with a sullen, angry face.)
• "giọng nói hằm hè": to speak in a threatening, aggressive tone.
  • Ông chủ nói với nhân viên bằng giọng hằm hè. (The boss spoke to the employee in a threatening tone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hầm hầm (adj): A similar adjective meaning sullen, brooding, or simmering with anger, but often implies a more internalized, less immediately confrontational anger than "hằm hè".
• Hằm hằm (adj): A variant form with the same meaning as "hằm hè".
• Hầm hè (adj): Another common variant spelling and pronunciation with identical meaning.

Synonyms

• Cáu kỉnh: irritable, grumpy.
• Gắt gỏng: snappish, short-tempered.
• Hầm hầm: sullen, brooding.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Connotation: The word strongly implies a visible, outward display of anger or hostility that suggests a readiness for conflict. It is more intense than simply being annoyed ("bực mình") and carries a physical, confrontational threat.
• Nuance: While "hằm hè" describes a state of aggressive readiness, it does not describe the act of fighting itself. It focuses on the threatening demeanor preceding a potential fight.

1. be angrity spoiling for (a fight)
   • Lúc nào cũng hằm hè chực đánh nhau
     To be always angrily spoiling for a fight