mân mó

Một em bé mân mó con mèo đang nằm cuộn tròn.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To finger / to fondle / to handle: To touch or stroke something repeatedly, often with the fingers, usually in a slow, idle, or sensual manner. It implies a lingering, tactile exploration of an object's surface or form.
   • To toy with / to fiddle with: To touch or manipulate something absentmindedly or playfully, without a serious purpose.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ mân mó con gấu bông. (The child fondled the teddy bear.)
  • Anh ta mân mó chiếc vòng cổ cũ. (He fingered the old necklace.)
  • Đừng mân mó các đồ vật trong viện bảo tàng. (Do not handle the objects in the museum.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb often carries a connotation of intimate, curious, or sometimes inappropriate touching. It can be used in neutral, affectionate, or vulgar contexts depending on the object being touched.

Variants and Related Words

• Sờ mó (v): To grope; to touch, often with a stronger implication of inappropriate or intrusive physical contact.
  • Cấm sờ mó vào các tác phẩm nghệ thuật. (It is forbidden to touch the artworks.)

Synonyms

• Fondle: To handle tenderly or lovingly.
• Finger: To touch or feel with the fingers.
• Toy with: To handle something casually or absentmindedly.

Related Idioms

• Mân mê: A near-synonym, often used interchangeably with , emphasizing a gentle, stroking touch.
  • Bà mân mê tấm ảnh cũ. (The old woman gently stroked the old photograph.)