Definition

Adjective: - Modest; humble; self-effacing: Describes a person's attitude or behavior of willingly lowering oneself, showing humility and deference in social interactions to avoid appearing arrogant or to show respect.

Usage

• Used to describe a person's character, manner of speech, or behavior in social contexts.
• Often carries a positive connotation of politeness and respect, but can sometimes imply excessive or unnecessary self-deprecation depending on context.
• Typically modifies nouns like (attitude), (gesture), (words/speech), (person).

Usage Examples

• As an adjective:
  • Anh ấy có thái độ rất nhún nhường trước các bậc tiền bối. (He has a very modest/humble attitude towards his seniors.)
  • Cô ảnh trả lời bằng một giọng nhún nhường. (She answered in a self-effacing tone.)
  • Sự nhún nhường thái quá đôi khi bị hiểu nhầm là thiếu tự tin. (Excessive humility is sometimes mistaken for a lack of confidence.)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• Cultural Context: In Vietnamese culture, is often valued as a virtue, reflecting respect, good upbringing (), and social harmony. It is expected in hierarchical relationships or when interacting with elders.
• Degree: Can be modified by adverbs like (very), (too), (a bit) to indicate the level of humility.
  • một chút nhún nhường cần thiết (a necessary bit of humility)
• Potential Negative Connotation: When overdone, it may be perceived as a lack of assertiveness or confidence.
  • Đừng nhún nhường quá, hãy mạnh dạn thể hiện quan điểm của mình. (Don't be too self-effacing; be bold in expressing your viewpoint.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khiêm nhường (adj): Humble, modest. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with , though can sound slightly more formal or intrinsic to one's character.
• Khiêm tốn (adj): Modest, unassuming. Often used to describe achievements or material possessions (e.g., a modest house).
• Nhịn nhường (v): To yield, to give way (to someone). Focuses more on the action of conceding.
• Chịu lép vế (v, idiomatic): To accept a subordinate or inferior position.

Synonyms

• Khiêm nhường: Humble, modest.
• Khiêm tốn: Modest, unpretentious.
• Nhã nhặn: Polite, courteous (emphasizes gentle manners).

Antonyms

• Tự cao tự đại: Arrogant, conceited.
• Kiêu căng: Haughty, proud.
• Hống hách: Overbearing, domineering.

Related Idioms / Phrases

• Ăn ở nhún nhường: To live and behave humbly. Refers to one's overall conduct in life.
  • Dù giàu có, ông ấy vẫn ăn ở nhún nhường với mọi người. (Despite being wealthy, he still lives and behaves humbly with everyone.)
• Lời nói nhún nhường: Humble/deferential words. A common collocation.
• Nhún nhường nhịn nhục: To be humble and forbearing. Emphasizes patience and tolerance alongside humility.

adj

1. to be modest; humble