Definition

1. Adjective (idiomatic):
   • Contented, satisfied, pleased (emotionally): A state of emotional coolness, relief, or gratification, often resulting from a positive outcome or the fulfillment of a wish, especially regarding the actions of others. It implies a soothing of one's heart or mind.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Con ngoan làm cha mẹ mát lòng. (A well-behaved child makes parents content.)
  • Kết quả công việc khiến sếp rất mát lòng. (The work result made the boss very pleased.)
  • Nghe lời giải thích, tôi cảm thấy mát lòng hơn. (Hearing the explanation, I felt more relieved.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to describe the feeling of elders (parents, teachers, superiors) when their juniors meet or exceed expectations.
• It can express a sense of relief after a worry has been resolved.

Variants and Related Words

• Hài lòng (adj): satisfied, content (more general and common).
  • Khách hàng tỏ ra hài lòng với dịch vụ. (The customer showed satisfaction with the service.)
• Vừa lòng (adj): pleased, to one's liking.
  • Mong sao mọi việc được vừa lòng. (I hope everything will be to your liking.)

Synonyms

• Contented: In a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction.
• Pleased: Feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction.
• Gratified: Having received pleasure or satisfaction.

Related Idioms

• Mát mặt: Literally "cool face"; to feel proud and honored, often in a social context.
  • Con đỗ đại học, bố mẹ thấy mát mặt với hàng xóm. (My child got into university, so my parents feel proud in front of the neighbors.)
• Ấm lòng: Literally "warm heart"; to feel touched, comforted, or heartened.
  • Sự giúp đỡ của anh ấy khiến tôi thật ấm lòng. (His help truly warmed my heart.)