nũng nịu
Definition
- Verb:
- To act in a coy, coquettish, or affectionately childish manner: This is the primary meaning. It describes behaving in a sweet, playful, and slightly spoiled way to seek attention, affection, or to get one's way, often through soft speech, pouting, or gentle clinging. It implies a deliberate, endearing affectation.
- To coddle oneself: To indulge in self-pampering or to act in a way that invites coddling from others.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa bé nũng nịu với mẹ để được bế. (The child acted coyly with her mother to be carried.)
- Cô ấy nũng nịu với bạn trai mỗi khi muốn thứ gì đó. (She acts coquettishly with her boyfriend whenever she wants something.)
- Anh ấy đang ốm nên cả ngày chỉ nằm nũng nịu. (He is sick, so he just lies around coddling himself all day.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a tone of gentle indulgence and is typically used in contexts of close, affectionate relationships (e.g., between romantic partners, or from a child to a parent). It is not generally used for formal or distant relationships.
- It describes a specific style of communication and behavior that is soft, pleading, and designed to elicit a caring response.
Variants and Related Words
- Nũng (verb): A shorter, more colloquial form with essentially the same meaning as "nũng nịu."
- Con không chịu ngủ, cứ nũng bố. (The child won't sleep, just clings to dad coyly.)
Synonyms
- To act coyly: To be affectedly shy or modest, especially in a flirtatious way.
- To wheedle: To use endearments or flattery to persuade someone.
- To coax: To persuade gently and patiently.
- To cajole: To persuade with flattery or gentle pleading.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Làm nũng: This phrase is directly equivalent to the verb "nũng nịu" and is very commonly used.
- Đừng có làm nũng nữa, tự đi giày vào đi. (Stop acting coy, put your shoes on yourself.)
verb
-
to coddle oneself
