mên mến
Definition
- Adjective:
- Fondly affectionate; tenderly loving: A warm, gentle, and deep feeling of affection, care, and attachment, often implying a soft, enduring, and heartfelt sentiment.
- Endearing; evoking fondness: Describing a quality, manner, or atmosphere that naturally inspires feelings of tenderness and affection in others.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy nhìn đứa trẻ bằng ánh mắt mên mến. (She looked at the child with a fondly affectionate gaze.)
- Họ có một tình bạn thật mên mến. (They have a truly tender and affectionate friendship.)
- Giọng nói mên mến của bà luôn an ủi tôi. (Her endearing voice always comforts me.)
Advanced Usage
- "mên mến" as an adverbial feeling: While primarily an adjective, it can describe the manner of an action.
- Bà cầm tay tôi, mên mến nói vài lời. (She held my hand and spoke a few words affectionately.)
Variants and Related Words
Thương mến (adj): to be fond of; combines love ("thương") and affection ("mến").
- Tôi rất thương mến người bạn cũ. (I am very fond of my old friend.)
Quý mến (adj): to hold in affectionate esteem; implies respect alongside fondness.
- Mọi người đều quý mến ông ấy vì sự chân thành. (Everyone holds him in affectionate esteem for his sincerity.)
Synonyms
- Fond: Having affection or liking for.
- Affectionate: Readily showing tenderness or care.
- Tender: Gentle, kind, and loving.
- Endearing: Inspiring affection.
Related Idioms
- "Mến phục": To admire and respect someone deeply, often with affection. This is a related compound, not a direct variant of "mên mến".
- Tôi vừa mến vừa phục tài năng của anh ấy. (I both like and deeply admire his talent.)