len lét

Một cậu bé len lét nhìn qua khe cửa.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Furtive, timid, sneaky: Describes a fearful, apprehensive, or guilty appearance, often characterized by avoiding direct eye contact and moving or looking around cautiously and stealthily.
   • Cowering, hiding stealthily: Describes the action of hiding oneself or peeking out furtively from a concealed place due to fear or apprehension.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ nhìn len lét sau khi bị mẹ la. (The child looked around furtively/timidly after being scolded by his mother.)
  • Tên trộm len lét nhìn ra ngoài cửa sổ. (The thief peeked out furtively/sneakily through the window.)
  • Con mèo len lét rình con chuột. (The cat stalked the mouse stealthily.)

Advanced Usage

• "Len lét như rắn mồng năm": An idiom meaning "as stealthy/furtive as a snake on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month." It originates from an old Vietnamese superstitious practice of hunting snakes on that specific day. The idiom vividly describes someone acting extremely furtively, sneakily, or hiding in great fear.
  • Hắn cứ đi len lét như rắn mồng năm, không dám gặp ai. (He kept sneaking around as furtively as a snake on the fifth day, not daring to meet anyone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lén lút (adverb/adjective): Secretly, stealthily, furtively. This word is very close in meaning but often implies a stronger sense of deliberate secrecy or doing something forbidden.
  • Họ gặp nhau một cách lén lút. (They met secretly/stealthily.)
• Rón rén (adverb/adjective): Tiptoeing, moving very quietly and carefully, often due to fear of disturbing someone or being heard. It focuses more on cautious movement than on the fearful appearance.
  • Cô ấy rón rén bước vào phòng. (She tiptoed/stepped cautiously into the room.)

Synonyms

• Furtive: Done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed.
• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
• Sneaky: Behaving in a secret and sometimes dishonest or unpleasant way.
• Cautious: Careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Nhìn len lét: To look furtively / to steal glances.
  • Cậu bé nhìn len lét về phía cái bánh. (The boy stole furtive glances toward the cake.)
• Đi/đứng len lét: To move/stand furtively or sneakily.
  • Anh ta đứng len lét sau cánh cửa. (He stood furtively behind the door.)