mát lòng
Definition
- 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.)