Definition

1. Verb Phrase:
   • To walk gingerly, to tread lightly: To walk with soft, careful, and quiet steps, typically to avoid making noise or causing disturbance.
   • To advance with ease (archaic, figurative): An old, literary expression meaning to achieve social status, success, or progress through the world effortlessly.

Usage Examples

• Verb Phrase:
  • Nhẹ bước cho em bé ngủ. (Walk gingerly so the baby can sleep.)
  • Cô ấy nhẹ bước vào phòng. (She tiptoed into the room.)
  • Nhẹ bước thang mây (cũ). (To easily make one's way in the world (archaic).)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe not just physical quietness but also a gentle, unobtrusive, or graceful manner of movement or action.

Variants and Related Words

• Đi rón rén (v): to tiptoe, to sneak. Emphasizes stealth and quiet movement.
• Bước nhẹ nhàng (v): to step softly/lightly. A more descriptive phrase with a similar core meaning.

Synonyms

• Tiptoe: To walk quietly on the balls of one's feet.
• Walk softly: To walk without making much sound.
• Proceed with caution: To move forward carefully.

Related Idioms

• Nhẹ như lông hồng: Light as a feather. Can describe a very light step.
• Nhẹ nhàng như gió thoảng: Gentle as a passing breeze. Used to describe a delicate, soft, or subtle action or presence.

1. Walk gingerly, tread lightly
   • Nhẹ bước cho em bé ngủ
     To walk gingerly not to disturb baby's sleep
   • Nhẹ bước thang mây (cũ)
     To easily make one's way the world