Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slightly flustered, somewhat troubled in the heart/mind: Describes a state of mild emotional disturbance, a gentle feeling of sadness, worry, or unease.
   • Meandering, winding, following a curved path: Describes something moving or flowing in a gentle, curving, or sinuous manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Emotional state):

  • Lòng tôi cảm thấy nao nao khi nghe tin ấy. (My heart felt slightly troubled/sad upon hearing that news.)
  • Cô ấy có vẻ nao nao buồn khi mùa hè kết thúc. (She seemed to have a gentle, wistful sadness as summer ended.)

• Adjective (Physical description):

  • Dòng suối nhỏ chảy nao nao qua cánh đồng. (The small stream meandered/wound its way through the field.)
  • Con đường mòn nao nao quanh sườn đồi. (The trail winds/sinuously curves around the hillside.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nao nao lòng": A common collocation emphasizing the emotional state, meaning "to have a troubled/heavy heart."

  • Câu chuyện cũ khiến lòng tôi nao nao. (The old story left my heart feeling heavy/troubled.)

• Literary/Descriptive Use: The word is often used in poetry and descriptive prose to evoke a subtle, melancholic, or picturesque atmosphere.

  • Không gian chiều tà gợi một nỗi nao nao. (The dusk space evoked a gentle feeling of melancholy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nao (adj): Can be a root suggesting disturbance or agitation (e.g., - excited, eager; - bewildered, panicked). Note: 'nao nao' is a reduplicative form that softens the intensity.
• Nao lòng (verb phrase): To be emotionally stirred, troubled, or moved (often stronger than ).

Synonyms

• For emotional sense: Bùi ngùi (moved, touched with sadness), xao xuyến (fluttered, stirred emotionally), bồn chồn (restless, anxious).
• For winding sense: Quanh co (winding, twisting), uốn khúc (to meander, to curve), khúc khuỷu (tortuous, full of bends).

Notes on Meaning

• Nuance: The emotional meaning of nao nao typically describes a quiet, internal, and lingering feeling, not a sharp or overwhelming emotion. It's a subtle melancholic stir.
• Context is Key: The intended meaning (emotional vs. physical winding) is entirely determined by context. In modern usage, the emotional sense is more common. The physical sense is highly literary and poetic.

1. xem nao