Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Intermittent, sporadic (describing pain): "nhẳn" describes a type of pain that occurs occasionally, at irregular intervals, rather than being constant.
   • Slight, mild (in its reduplicated form): When used in the reduplicated form "nhăn nhẳn," the meaning is softened to indicate a slight or mild intermittent sensation, often specifically related to stomach discomfort.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy bị nhẳn đau bụng. (He has an intermittent stomachache.)
  • Cơn đau nhẳn khiến cô ấy khó chịu. (The sporadic pain makes her uncomfortable.)
  • Bụng tôi hơi nhăn nhẳn. (My stomach feels a bit off / has a slight, occasional twinge.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is primarily used in a medical or physical discomfort context. It is not typically used for abstract concepts like "intermittent rain" or "sporadic events." For those, words like "thỉnh thoảng," "từng lúc," or "ngắt quãng" are more common.
• The reduplicated form "nhăn nhẳn" is a common linguistic feature in Vietnamese that softens the intensity of the base adjective "nhẳn."

Variants and Related Words

• Nhăn nhẳn (reduplicated adjective): Describes a mild, occasional ache or discomfort. It carries a weaker sense than the standalone "nhẳn."
  • Chỉ thấy nhăn nhẳn ở bụng dưới. (I only feel a slight, occasional ache in the lower abdomen.)

Synonyms

• Thỉnh thoảng đau: hurts occasionally.
• Từng cơn (ngắn): in short bouts/spells (of pain).
• Lắt nhắt (colloquial): sporadic, intermittent (can be used for pain or other minor, recurring annoyances).

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Nhẳn" has a very specific meaning related to intermittent physical pain, especially internal pain like stomachaches. It does not have other common meanings.
• Do not confuse it with "nhẵn" (smooth) or "nhăn" (wrinkled).

1. Intermittent (nói về cơn đau)
   • Nhẳn đau bụng
     To have an intermittent pain in one's stomach
   • nhăn nhẳn (láy, ý giảm)