Definition

1. Adjective (used predicatively):

   • Vexed; offended; displeased: A state of being annoyed, upset, or having one's feelings hurt, often due to a perceived slight, disrespect, or unfavorable action by someone else.

2. Verb (transitive, in the causative form "làm phật lòng"):

   • To vex; to offend; to displease: To cause someone to become annoyed, upset, or displeased.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Cô ấy phật lòng vì tôi đến muộn. (She was vexed that I was late.)
  • Đừng phật lòng, tôi không có ý đó. (Don't be offended, I didn't mean it.)

• Verb (causative):

  • Lời nói thiếu suy nghĩ của anh có thể làm phật lòng người khác. (Your thoughtless words could offend others.)
  • Tôi không muốn làm phật lòng bạn. (I don't want to displease you.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often describes a mild to moderate level of displeasure, more nuanced than anger ("giận"). It implies a ruffling of one's feelings or peace of mind.
• It is commonly used in social contexts to discuss interpersonal harmony and the avoidance of causing upset.

Variants and Related Words

• Phật ý: A near-synonymous phrase meaning to be displeased or offended (from "phật" meaning to go against and "ý" meaning intention/will).
• Giận: To be angry (a stronger emotion than "phật lòng").
• Bực mình: To be annoyed, irritated.

Synonyms

• Vexed: Annoyed, worried, or frustrated.
• Offended: Resentful or upset as a result of a perceived insult.
• Displeased: Not satisfied or happy with something.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Làm phật lòng: The standard causative phrase meaning "to cause offense/to vex."
  • Anh ấy luôn cẩn thận để không làm phật lòng đối tác. (He is always careful not to vex his partners.)

1. Vex; be vexed
   • Cô ấy phật lòng vì tôi đến muộn
     She was vexed that I was late