Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Pouting, sulking: Expressing displeasure or annoyance by pushing out the lips, often in a childish or petulant manner, wanting to be humored or coddled.
   • Making a sulky face: Having a facial expression that shows one is in a bad mood, often to elicit sympathy or attention.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ phụng phịu vì không được mua đồ chơi. (The child is pouting because he wasn't bought a toy.)
  • Cô ấy ngồi phụng phịu một góc mà không nói gì. (She sat sulking in a corner without saying a word.)
  • Nó phụng phịu với mẹ để được dỗ dành. (He's making a sulky face at his mother to be comforted.)

Advanced Usage

• "mặt phụng phịu": a pouting/sulking face.

  • Cô bé làm mặt phụng phịu khi bị mắng. (The little girl made a pouting face when she was scolded.)

• "giọng phụng phịu": a whining, sulky tone of voice.

  • Nó trả lời bằng giọng phụng phịu. (He answered in a sulky tone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phụng phiu (adj): A less common variant with the same meaning as "phụng phịu".
• Bĩu môi (verb phrase): To pout (specifically by pushing out the lips). This is a more specific action that often results in a "phụng phịu" expression.
• Hờn dỗi (verb/adjective): To sulk, to be in a sulk; implies a longer-lasting, more sullen state of displeasure compared to the more immediate facial expression of "phụng phịu".

Synonyms

• Bực bội: Annoyed, irritated (describes the feeling more than the expression).
• Cáu kỉnh: Grumpy, irritable.
• Khó chịu: Uncomfortable, displeased.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Làm nũng: To act in a coy or spoiled manner to get one's way, often involving a "phụng phịu" expression. This phrase implies seeking pampering.
  • Đứa trẻ thường làm nũng bà để được chiều. (The child often acts coy with her grandmother to be indulged.)

Notes on Usage

• "Phụng phịu" is often used to describe the behavior of children or someone acting childishly. It conveys a temporary, visible state of sulkiness, usually aimed at gaining attention, comfort, or a concession from someone else.
• The word strongly implies the action of pouting the lips ("bĩu môi") as part of the expression.

1. Want to be humoured, coddle oneself
   • Phụng phịu với mẹ
     To want to be humoured by one's mother