ngượng
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or shy: Describes a state of mild shame, self-consciousness, or awkwardness, often due to a social misstep, being the center of attention, or a perceived inadequacy. It implies a feeling of discomfort that makes one want to hide or avoid the situation.
- Clumsy, awkward (in movement): Describes a physical lack of coordination or grace, often due to inexperience, injury, or unfamiliarity with an action.
Usage Examples
Adjective (Feeling ashamed/embarrassed):
- Cô ấy cảm thấy rất ngượng khi bị chỉ ra lỗi sai trước đám đông. (She felt very ashamed/embarrassed when her mistake was pointed out in front of the crowd.)
- Tôi hơi ngượng khi phải nhờ vả người khác. (I feel a bit awkward/embarrassed having to ask others for help.)
- Anh ấy ngượng chín cả mặt khi nhận được lời khen. (He blushed crimson with embarrassment when he received the compliment.)
Adjective (Clumsy in movement):
- Sau chấn thương, chân tôi vẫn còn hơi ngượng. (After the injury, my leg still feels a bit clumsy/awkward.)
- Đứa trẻ mới tập đi, bước chân còn ngượng. (The child is just learning to walk, so its steps are still awkward.)
Advanced Usage
"Ngượng ngùng": A reduplicated form that intensifies or slightly softens the feeling of embarrassment or shyness. It often describes a coy or bashful demeanor.
- Cô dâu trẻ ngượng ngùng cúi đầu. (The young bride bashfully lowered her head.)
"Ngượng chín cả mặt / Ngượng đỏ mặt": Idiomatic expressions meaning "to blush crimson/red with embarrassment."
- Nghe câu chuyện cười ấy, cô ấy ngượng đỏ mặt. (Hearing that joke, she blushed red with embarrassment.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ngượng ngập (adj): Synonymous with , meaning embarrassed, shy, or bashful.
- Xấu hổ (adj): A stronger synonym meaning deeply ashamed or mortified. is generally milder than .
- Bối rối (adj): Flustered, confused, disconcerted. Can overlap with in social situations but focuses more on confusion.
- Lúng túng (adj): Flustered, fumbling, at a loss (often in action or speech). Can be a result of feeling .
Synonyms
- Embarrassed: Feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable.
- Ashamed: A stronger feeling of guilt or disgrace.
- Awkward: Causing or feeling embarrassment or inconvenience; also, lacking grace or skill.
- Shy: Being nervous or timid in the company of other people.
- Bashful: Socially shy or timid.
Related Phrases
- Cảm thấy ngượng: To feel embarrassed/awkward.
- Làm cho ai ngượng: To make someone embarrassed.
- Ngượng miệng: To feel awkward or hesitant to say something (e.g., when asking for a favor).
Related Idioms
- Ngượng chín cả mặt / Ngượng đỏ mặt: To blush crimson/red with embarrassment (lit. to be embarrassed until one's face turns nine parts/crimson/red).
- Ngượng như gái mới về nhà chồng: As embarrassed as a new bride at her husband's house (describes extreme shyness or awkwardness in a new situation).