hờn mát
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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.)
- Sulk mildly