khờ khĩnh
Definition
- Adjective:
- Silly, simple-minded, naive, foolish (in an innocent or endearing way): "Khờ khĩnh" describes a state of being somewhat foolish, simple, or lacking in worldly wisdom, but often in a way that is innocent, harmless, or even cute and endearing. It implies a lack of guile or cunning, not necessarily a lack of intelligence.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cậu bé nhìn tôi với ánh mắt khờ khĩnh. (The little boy looked at me with a naive/simple-minded gaze.)
- Nụ cười khờ khĩnh của chú chó con khiến ai cũng mềm lòng. (The puppy's silly/endearing smile melted everyone's heart.)
- Đừng có làm bộ mặt khờ khĩnh như vậy, tôi biết cậu hiểu chuyện mà. (Don't put on such a foolish/naive face; I know you understand.)
Advanced Usage
- Used to describe behavior or appearance: Often describes a look, smile, expression, or action that seems innocently foolish or simple.
- Cô ấy trả lời một cách khờ khĩnh khi bị chất vấn. (She answered in a naive/simple way when questioned.)
Variants and Related Words
- Khờ (adj): The root word, meaning foolish, simple, gullible. "Khờ khĩnh" is a reduplicative form that often carries a softer, more affectionate nuance than "khờ".
- Khờ khạo (adj): A synonym with essentially the same meaning and usage as "khờ khĩnh".
- Ngây thơ (adj): Innocent, naive. Shares the aspect of innocence but "khờ khĩnh" emphasizes a slightly foolish simplicity.
- Ngớ ngẩn (adj): Silly, foolish. Can be less endearing and more directly critical than "khờ khĩnh".
Synonyms
- Ngốc nghếch: Silly, goofy.
- Khù khờ: Clumsily foolish, slow-witted.
Related Idioms
- Làm bộ khờ khĩnh: To play dumb, to feign ignorance or simplicity.
- Nó đang làm bộ khờ khĩnh để tránh trách nhiệm. (He's playing dumb to avoid responsibility.)
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như khờ
