nhoẻn
Definition
- Verb:
- To smile slightly / to break into a small smile: To form a subtle, often brief, smile by slightly parting the lips. It typically describes a gentle, restrained, or somewhat shy smile.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ấy chỉ nhoẻn cười rồi quay đi. (She just smiled slightly and turned away.)
- Nghe lời khen, anh ấy nhoẻn miệng cười. (Hearing the compliment, he broke into a small smile.)
- Đứa trẻ nhoẻn cười với mẹ. (The child gave a little smile to its mother.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "nhoẻn" is almost always used in the phrase "nhoẻn cười" (to smile) or "nhoẻn miệng cười" (to break into a smile). It is rarely used alone.
- Ông cụ nhoẻn cười hiền hậu. (The old man gave a kindly, slight smile.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cười nhoẻn (v): This is a common alternative phrasing with the same meaning as "nhoẻn cười."
- Cậu bé cười nhoẻn khi được cho kẹo. (The boy smiled slightly when given candy.)
Synonyms
- To smile: The general term.
- To grin: A broader smile, often showing teeth.
- To beam: To smile radiantly with great happiness.
Notes on Usage
- "Nhoẻn" is a descriptive verb that specifically conveys a small, modest, or fleeting smile. It suggests a quieter, less exuberant expression than words like "cười toe toét" (to grin widely) or "cười tươi" (to smile brightly).
- It is a colloquial and expressive term commonly used in spoken Vietnamese and literary descriptions.