Definition

1. Verb:
   • To caress, to fondle, to cuddle (especially a child): The primary meaning of "nựng" is to show affection through gentle, loving touches, often to soothe or pamper a child.
   • To dote on, to pamper: It implies treating someone, typically a baby or young child, with excessive affection and care, often to comfort them or stop them from crying.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mẹ đang nựng em bé. (The mother is cuddling/caressing the baby.)
  • Bà ngoại nựng cháu để cháu nín khóc. (The grandmother is doting on her grandchild to make him/her stop crying.)
  • Anh ấy rất thích nựng mấy chú mèo con. (He really likes to cuddle the kittens.)

Advanced Usage

• "nựng nịu": A reduplicative form that intensifies the meaning, emphasizing gentle coaxing and pampering.
  • Cô ấy nựng nịu đứa trẻ bằng giọng nói ngọt ngào. (She coaxed and pampered the child with a sweet voice.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nựng nịu (verb, reduplicative): To pamper, to coax gently and affectionately.
• Dỗ dành (verb): To soothe, to comfort. This is a close synonym but can be used in a broader range of comforting situations, not exclusively involving physical affection.
• Âu yếm (verb): To show tenderness, to be affectionate. This is a more general term for showing love and affection.

Synonyms

• Vuốt ve: To stroke, to pet (often used for animals or hair).
• Cưng nựng (compound): A common paired phrase meaning to pamper and dote on.
• Chiều chuộng: To indulge, to spoil (can have a slightly more negative connotation of overindulgence).

Notes on Meaning

• Specific Context: "Nựng" is most naturally used in the context of adults showing physical affection to young children, babies, or pets. Using it for adults can sound playful or infantilizing.
• Emotional Connotation: The word carries a strong connotation of tenderness, love, and the desire to comfort. It is almost always a positive, affectionate action.
• Physical Action: The action often involves gentle touching, holding close, cheek-pinching, or using a soft, coaxing voice alongside the physical gesture.

verb

1. to caress