mếu máo
Definition
- Verb:
- To pout, to make a pouting face: To show a facial expression, often with the lips pushed forward, indicating that one is about to cry, is sulking, or is feeling sorry for oneself.
- To whimper, to whine: To make weak, crying, or complaining sounds, often while on the verge of tears.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa trẻ mếu máo vì không được mua đồ chơi. (The child pouted because he wasn't bought a toy.)
- Cô ấy mếu máo kể lại câu chuyện buồn. (She whimpered while telling the sad story.)
- Đừng có mếu máo nữa! (Stop whining!)
Advanced Usage
- The word "mếu máo" often implies a more pronounced, sustained, or slightly more dramatic state than the simpler verb "mếu". It emphasizes the visible and audible signs of being on the brink of tears, often used to describe childish or overly emotional behavior.
Variants and Related Words
- Mếu (v): To pout, to be about to cry. This is the root form; "mếu máo" is an intensified variant.
- Thằng bé mặt đã mếu rồi. (The boy's face was already pouting.)
Synonyms
- Pout: To show displeasure by pushing out the lips.
- Whimper: To make low, feeble sounds expressive of fear, pain, or discontent.
- Whine: To complain in a feeble or petulant way.
Related Idioms
- While "mếu máo" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the behavior it describes is central to expressions like:
- Mặt mếu: A pouting face.
- Nó giận nên làm mặt mếu. (He's angry so he's making a pouting face.)