nhè nhẹ
Definition
Adverb:
- Very gently; very lightly; softly: Describes an action performed with minimal force, pressure, or intensity, often to avoid damage or to create a delicate effect.
- Very quietly; in a hushed tone: Describes speaking or making sound with very low volume.
Adjective:
- Very gentle; very light; soft: Describes a quality of being delicate, not harsh or strong.
Usage Examples
Adverb:
- Cô ấy vuốt tóc con nhè nhẹ. (She stroked her child's hair very gently.)
- Anh ấy mở cửa nhè nhẹ để không đánh thức ai. (He opened the door very quietly so as not to wake anyone.)
- Hãy đặt nó xuống nhè nhẹ. (Put it down very lightly.)
Adjective:
- Cô ấy có một giọng nói nhè nhẹ. (She has a very soft voice.)
- Một cơn gió nhè nhẹ thổi qua. (A very gentle breeze blew through.)
Advanced Usage
- The word nhè nhẹ is a reduplication of nhẹ (light, gentle). Reduplication in Vietnamese often intensifies the adjective's quality, making nhè nhẹ mean "extremely light/gentle" rather than just "light/gentle." It emphasizes great care, delicacy, or subtlety.
Variants and Related Words
- Nhẹ (adj/adv): Light; gentle; softly. The root word.
- Nâng nhẹ lên. (Lift it gently.)
- Nhẹ nhàng (adj/adv): Gently; softly; mildly. Similar to nhè nhẹ but may imply a smoother, more graceful quality.
- Cô ấy bước đi nhẹ nhàng. (She walked gracefully.)
Synonyms
- Gently: With mildness or kindness.
- Softly: With little force or sound.
- Lightly: With little weight or pressure.
- Delicately: In a finely sensitive or careful manner.
Related Idioms
- Nhè nhẹ như đặt vật quý: As gentle as placing a precious object. Used to emphasize extreme care and gentleness in handling something.
- Bà ấy bế đứa trẻ nhè nhẹ như đặt vật quý. (She held the baby as gently as if handling a treasure.)