Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To gaze at oneself in the mirror while meticulously grooming/adjusting one's appearance: This phrase describes the action of looking at one's reflection, often for an extended period, while carefully tending to details of one's attire, hair, or makeup. It implies a self-absorbed, fastidious, and sometimes excessive attention to personal grooming.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Cô ấy dành cả tiếng đồng hồ trong phòng tắm chỉ để ngắm vuốt. (She spends a whole hour in the bathroom just to gaze at herself in the mirror while grooming.)
  • Anh ta không chỉ thay quần áo mà còn đứng ngắm vuốt trước gương rất lâu. (He didn't just change clothes; he also stood for a long time gazing at himself and adjusting his appearance in the mirror.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, suggesting vanity, self-absorption, or an excessive amount of time spent on one's appearance.
  • Đừng có ngắm vuốt nữa, chúng ta sắp trễ mất! (Stop gazing at yourself in the mirror; we're going to be late!)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngắm nghía (verb): To look at something carefully, often with admiration or scrutiny. While it can be used for objects, when applied to oneself in a mirror, it overlaps with "ngắm vuốt" but lacks the specific nuance of active grooming/adjusting.
• Vuốt ve (verb): To stroke or caress. This is the root verb in "ngắm vuốt," but when combined with "ngắm" (to gaze), its meaning shifts to the described meticulous action.

Synonyms

• Chải chuốt (verb): To groom or primp oneself meticulously. This is a very close synonym, though "chải chuốt" can sometimes imply the grooming action more than the prolonged gazing.
• Tỉa tót (verb): To trim or neaten up meticulously (e.g., hair, beard). It focuses on the detailed adjusting action.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Ngắm đi ngắm lại: To look at something (or oneself) over and over again. This can intensify the action described by "ngắm vuốt."
  • Cô ấy ngắm đi ngắm lại bộ váy mới trước gương. (She looked at her new dress in the mirror over and over again.)

Related Idioms

• Lo ngắm vuốt: To be preoccupied with/only care about grooming oneself. This idiom emphasizes the excessive or singular focus on appearance.
  • Cậu ấy chẳng lo học hành, chỉ lo ngắm vuốt. (He doesn't care about studying; he's only preoccupied with grooming himself.)

1. Gaze at oneself in the mirrir for one's meticulous toilet