lè
Definition
- Verb:
- To stick out; to protrude (especially the tongue): The primary meaning of "lè" is to extend something, typically the tongue, outward from the mouth.
- To push food out of the mouth: Used specifically to describe a child or baby pushing chewed food out of their mouth with their tongue, often due to dislike or refusal to eat.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Con chó lè lưỡi. (The dog sticks out its tongue.)
- Đứa bé lè cơm ra. (The child pushes the rice out of his/her mouth.)
Advanced Usage
- "xanh lè": An adjective phrase meaning a sickly, pale, or vivid green color, often suggesting something unnatural or unappealing.
- Khuôn mặt anh ta tái xanh lè. (His face turned a sickly pale green.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lè lưỡi (verb phrase): To stick out one's tongue.
- Đứa trẻ lè lưỡi chế giễu. (The child stuck out his tongue in mockery.)
Synonyms
- Protrude: to extend outward.
- Extend: to stretch out.
- Poke out: to push something out.
Related Idioms
- Lè nhè: To whine or complain in a persistent, annoying manner (note: this is a separate, distinct colloquial term that shares a phonetic root).
- Nó cứ lè nhè đòi mua đồ chơi. (He kept whining to buy a toy.)