ngúng nguẩy
Definition
- Adjective:
- Slightly unwell / under the weather: Describes a state of feeling mildly physically uncomfortable or indisposed, often as a precursor to illness, such as feeling feverish or achy.
- Sulky / petulant: Describes a demeanor of showing mild discontent, displeasure, or annoyance through one's attitude or disapproving gestures.
Usage Examples
Adjective (physically unwell):
- Sáng nay cháu bé hơi ngúng nguẩy, có lẽ sắp sốt. (This morning the child is feeling a bit under the weather, perhaps about to get a fever.)
- Cả người tôi ngúng nguẩy khó chịu. (My whole body feels achy and uncomfortable.)
Adjective (sulky in manner):
- Đứa trẻ ngúng nguẩy không chịu chào khách. (The child sulked and refused to greet the guest.)
- Cô ấy trả lời với giọng ngúng nguẩy. (She answered in a petulant tone.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is often used in its reduplicated form "ngúng nga ngúng nguẩy" to intensify the meaning, emphasizing a stronger sense of being unwell or being particularly sulky and disagreeable.
- Nó ngúng nga ngúng nguẩy cả buổi vì không được đi chơi. (He's been sulking and moping all afternoon because he couldn't go out.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ngúng nguẩy is primarily used as an adjective. There are no direct verb or noun variants, but its meaning relates to other descriptive states.
Synonyms
- Slightly ill: indisposed, off-color, poorly.
- Sulky: petulant, peevish, sullen, in a huff.
Related Idioms
- While "ngúng nguẩy" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its behavior is idiomatic. It describes a non-verbal expression of minor physical or emotional discomfort.