Definition

1. Adjective:
   • To be considerate, to be deferential, to show regard: Expressing a respectful and thoughtful attitude towards someone, often by being gentle, polite, or yielding in interactions to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
   • To be hesitant due to respect: To hold back one's words or actions out of politeness, respect, or consideration for another person's feelings or status.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy rất nể nả với sếp cũ. (He is very deferential towards his former boss.)
  • Đừng quá nể nả, hãy nói thẳng ý kiến của mình. (Don't be overly hesitant out of politeness; speak your mind directly.)
  • Cô ấy đối xử với bố mẹ chồng một cách rất nể nả. (She treats her parents-in-law very considerately.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often describes a nuanced social behavior in hierarchical or formal relationships, where one consciously moderates their demeanor to show respect.
• It can imply a slight sense of restraint or formality that comes from acknowledging another person's seniority, authority, or feelings.

Variants and Related Words

• Nể (v): to respect, to hold in high regard.

  • Tôi rất nể khả năng của anh ấy. (I greatly respect his ability.)

• Nể nang (adj): a more formal variant with a very similar meaning of being respectfully considerate or cautious.

  • Cần có thái độ nể nang trong buổi gặp quan trọng này. (A respectful and considerate attitude is needed in this important meeting.)

Synonyms

• Deferential: showing respect and esteem.
• Considerate: careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others.
• Respectful: feeling or showing deference and respect.
• Hesitant (out of politeness): pausing or holding back due to regard for others.

Related Idioms

• Nể mặt: to show consideration for someone's face/standing; to do something out of respect for someone.

  • Tôi đồng ý chỉ vì nể mặt anh. (I agreed only out of respect for you.)

• Nể vì: because of respect for.

  • Anh ta im lặng nể vì đông người. (He remained silent out of respect for the crowd.)