Definition

1. Verb:
   • To puff out one's cheeks while pursing one's lips: To make a facial expression by filling the cheeks with air and pressing the lips together tightly.
   • (Of a plant bud) to begin to sprout, to start to show: To begin to emerge or appear, typically used for new buds or shoots.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ múm má để tỏ vẻ giận dỗi. (The child puffed out its cheeks to show it was sulking.)
  • Những nụ hoa đã múm lên ở đầu cành. (The flower buds have begun to sprout at the end of the branch.)
  • Cô ấy múm môi lại, suy nghĩ một lúc rồi mới trả lời. (She pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and then answered.)

Advanced Usage

• "múm mím": A reduplicative form that emphasizes the action of pursing the lips, often implying a slight, restrained smile or a thoughtful expression.
  • Nghe tin vui, bà cụ múm mím cười. (Hearing the good news, the old lady smiled with pursed lips.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mím (verb): To press the lips together tightly. While similar, "mím" usually does not involve puffing the cheeks.
  • Cậu bé mím môi để khỏi khóc. (The boy pressed his lips together to keep from crying.)

Synonyms

• Phồng má (verb phrase): To puff out the cheeks.
• Nhú lên (verb phrase): To sprout, to begin to emerge (for plants).

Related Phrases

• Múm miệng: To purse one's mouth.
  • Nó múm miệng làm duyên. (She pursed her mouth coquettishly.)

1. Swell one's cheeks while tightening one's lips
   • Beghin to show (nói về mầm cây)