Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To act in a coquettish or affected manner: To behave in a way intended to attract attention or admiration, often by exaggerating one's movements, speech, or appearance. It implies a deliberate, sometimes excessive, effort to look charming or cute.
   • To put on airs / to pose: To adopt a pretentious or artificial style to impress others.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Cô bé nhìn vào gương và làm điệu. (The little girl looked in the mirror and acted coquettishly.)
  • Anh ấy không bao giờ làm điệu trước mặt người lạ. (He never puts on airs in front of strangers.)
  • Cô ấy làm điệu khi có máy ảnh chĩa vào. (She poses when a camera is pointed at her.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a slightly negative or teasing connotation, suggesting the behavior is not entirely natural or is overly self-conscious.
• It is commonly used to describe behavior associated with vanity or a desire to be the center of attention.

Variants and Related Words

• Làm dáng (verb phrase): This is a direct synonym, meaning to pose or to act in a coquettish way. is often explained as having the same meaning as .
  • Chú mèo nằm phơi nắng trông như đang làm dáng. (The cat lying in the sun looks like it's posing.)

Synonyms

• To flirt (in a broad, non-romantic sense): to behave playfully.
• To pose: to adopt a particular attitude for effect.
• To put on airs: to behave pretentiously.
• To preen: to make oneself look attractive, often with an air of self-satisfaction.

Related Idioms

• While itself is a set phrase, it relates to concepts of:
  • Lên giọng làm điệu: To put on an affected tone of voice.

    • Cô ấy lên giọng làm điệu khi nói chuyện điện thoại. (She put on an affected tone when talking on the phone.)