Definition

Adjective: - Slightly ashamed, embarrassed, or bashful: Describes a state of mild self-consciousness, awkwardness, or shyness, often due to a minor mistake, receiving praise, or being in an unfamiliar social situation. It implies a feeling of discomfort that is not severe.

Usage

The word "ngượng ngùng" is used to describe a person's temporary emotional state. It is more nuanced than the stronger "ngượng" (ashamed/embarrassed) and often carries a sense of endearing or innocent awkwardness. - It typically functions as an adjective following verbs like "cảm thấy" (to feel), "tỏ ra" (to appear), or "trông" (to look). - It can be used to describe one's own feelings or to observe someone else's demeanor.

Usage Examples

• As an adjective:
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy ngượng ngùng khi được khen trước đám đông. (She felt slightly embarrassed when praised in front of the crowd.)
  • Đứa trẻ trông ngượng ngùng khi bị người lạ hỏi chuyện. (The child looked bashful when a stranger talked to him.)
  • Anh ấy đáp lại một cách ngượng ngùng vì không quen nhận sự giúp đỡ. (He replied in an awkward manner because he wasn't used to receiving help.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngượng ngùng không biết nói gì": To be so bashful/embarrassed that one doesn't know what to say.
  • Nghe lời tỏ tình, cô ấy chỉ ngượng ngùng không biết nói gì. (Hearing the confession, she was just too bashful to know what to say.)
• The word often describes the physical manifestations of mild embarrassment, such as avoiding eye contact, smiling shyly, or blushing slightly.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngượng (adj): Ashamed, embarrassed. This is a stronger, more direct term than "ngượng ngùng".
  • Tôi thật ngượng vì đã quên tên bạn. (I am truly embarrassed for forgetting your name.)
• Bối rối (adj): Flustered, confused. This can overlap with "ngượng ngùng" but emphasizes confusion more than shame.
• E thẹn (adj): Shy, demure. This emphasizes innate shyness rather than a reaction to a specific situation.

Synonyms

• Xấu hổ (nhẹ): (Mildly) ashamed.
• Bẽn lẽn: Bashful, shy (often with a charming connotation).
• Lúng túng: Awkward, flustered (focusing on clumsy reaction).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Mặt đỏ ngượng ngùng: (One's) face turns red with bashfulness.
  • Cậu bé mặt đỏ ngượng ngùng khi nhận quà. (The boy's face turned red with bashfulness when receiving a gift.)
• Cười ngượng ngùng: To give an embarrassed/shy smile.
  • Cô ấy chỉ cười ngượng ngùng rồi quay đi. (She just gave a shy smile and turned away.)

1. slightly ashamed