mặt sắt
Definition
- Noun:
- An iron face: A literal translation referring to a face that appears as hard, rigid, or unyielding as iron.
- A stern/rigid expression: A figurative meaning describing a person's face that is severe, unsmiling, and shows no emotion or softness, often due to anger, seriousness, or determination.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông ấy có một mặt sắt khiển trách nhân viên. (He has an iron face when reprimanding employees.)
- Nhìn mặt sắt của anh ta, tôi biết có chuyện không ổn. (Looking at his rigid expression, I knew something was wrong.)
- "Trông lên mặt sắt đen sì." (Looking up at the stern, dark face.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily used in literary, descriptive, or somewhat formal contexts to vividly characterize a person's imposing or unfriendly demeanor. It is not common in casual, everyday conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Mặt đanh: A stern, hard face.
- Mặt lạnh: A cold face/expression.
- Vẻ mặt nghiêm nghị: A solemn/serious expression.
Synonyms
- Stern expression: A serious and severe facial appearance.
- Grim visage: A literary term for a stern or forbidding face.
- Impassive face: A face showing no emotion.
- Hardened expression: A face that appears tough and unemotional.
Related Idioms
- Mặt sắt đen sì: A very stern and dark (in expression) face. This phrase from classic literature emphasizes extreme severity.
- Người chỉ huy xuất hiện với mặt sắt đen sì. (The commander appeared with a very stern, dark face.)