nhè mồm
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To whine or cry in a spoiled, demanding manner: Used primarily to describe a child who is crying not out of genuine distress, but to fuss, complain, or insist on getting their own way. It implies a persistent, nagging quality to the crying.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Đứa bé đang nhè mồm đòi mua đồ chơi. (The child is whining to get a toy.)
- Con đừng có nhè mồm nữa! (Stop your whining!)
- Nó nhè mồm vì bị bắt đi ngủ sớm. (He's fussing because he was made to go to bed early.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used in the context of children's behavior. When applied to an adult, it is highly critical and suggests they are acting in a childish, unreasonable, or manipulative manner.
- Anh ta lớn rồi mà còn nhè mồm như trẻ con. (He's grown up but still whines like a child.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nhè (v): A simpler, more general form meaning to fuss or cry demandingly. "Nhè mồm" adds emphasis on the act of using one's mouth ("mồm") to whine.
- Ăn vạ (v): To throw a tantrum, often by crying and making a scene to get something. This is stronger and more dramatic than "nhè mồm."
Synonyms
- To whine: To complain in a feeble or petulant way.
- To fuss: To show unnecessary or excessive concern or excitement.
- To grizzle (chiefly British): To cry fretfully.
Related Idioms
- While "nhè mồm" itself is a set phrase, it is conceptually related to behaviors described by idioms like "khóc ăn vạ" (to cry as a form of blackmail/to throw a crying tantrum).
- Đừng có khóc ăn vạ ở đây. (Don't throw a crying tantrum here.)