len lén
Definition
- Adverb:
- Stealthily, furtively, sneakily: "len lén" describes an action performed in a secretive, quiet, and cautious manner to avoid being noticed or heard.
- On the sly, covertly: It implies doing something secretly, often because it is forbidden, private, or one wishes to avoid attention.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Cậu bé len lén mở cửa phòng bố mẹ. (The boy stealthily opened his parents' bedroom door.)
- Cô ấy len lén nhìn sang người bạn trai cũ. (She furtively glanced over at her ex-boyfriend.)
- Tên trộm len lén lẻn vào nhà lúc nửa đêm. (The thief sneaked into the house covertly at midnight.)
Advanced Usage
- "len lén làm gì đó": to do something stealthily.
- Nó len lén lấy tiền trong ví của mẹ. (He stealthily took money from his mother's wallet.)
- Often used to describe actions involving movement (entering, leaving, looking) or handling objects (taking, putting) without permission or awareness of others.
Variants and Related Words
- Lén (adv): Stealthily, secretly. "Len lén" is a reduplicative form of "lén," emphasizing the cautious and quiet nature of the action. The meanings are nearly identical.
- Lén lút (adv): Secretly, clandestinely. Similar to "len lén" but can carry a stronger connotation of deceit or ill intent.
- Vụng trộm (adv): Secretly, illicitly (often used for romantic affairs or forbidden actions).
Synonyms
- Lặng lẽ: Quietly, silently (focuses on lack of sound, not necessarily secrecy).
- Rón rén: Tiptoeing, moving very carefully and quietly (focuses on cautious movement).
- Giấu giếm: To hide, to conceal (a verb meaning to keep something secret).
Related Phrases
- Hành động len lén: A stealthy/covert action.
- Cử chỉ len lén: A furtive gesture.
- Ra vào len lén: To enter and exit stealthily.
Related Idioms
- Lén như mèo: As stealthy as a cat. (Implies moving very quietly and secretly.)
- Hắn đi lại trong nhà lén như mèo. (He moves around the house as stealthily as a cat.)