Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slightly plump, chubby, or puffy: Describes a state of being somewhat swollen, rounded, or full in a soft, often cute or healthy-looking way, typically referring to cheeks, face, or body parts.
   • Slightly inflated or bulging: Can describe something that appears gently swollen or protruded.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Em bé có đôi má phình phĩnh rất dễ thương. (The baby has chubby cheeks that are very cute.)
  • Sau khi ngủ dậy, mặt anh ấy trông hơi phình phĩnh. (After waking up, his face looks a bit puffy.)
  • Chiếc gối được nhồi bông trông phình phĩnh. (The pillow stuffed with cotton looks plump.)

Advanced Usage

• "phình phĩnh" as a Reduplicative (Láy) Word: This word is a reduplicated form (từ láy) of the root "phĩnh," which itself suggests a swollen or puffed state. The reduplication "phình phĩnh" softens the meaning, indicating a moderate, not extreme, degree of plumpness or puffiness. It often carries a neutral or even endearing connotation.
  • Bánh bao hấp lên nở phình phĩnh. (The steamed bun puffed up nicely.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phình (verb): To swell, to bulge (often more sudden or pronounced).
  • Bong bóng phình to lên. (The balloon swelled up.)
• Phĩnh (adjective/verb): To be swollen, puffed up (the root word for "phình phĩnh").
• Phập phình (adjective): Describes a gentle, rhythmic swelling and subsiding, like waves or breathing.
  • Ngực phập phình theo nhịp thở. (The chest rises and falls with the rhythm of breathing.)

Synonyms

• Bầu bĩnh: Plump, chubby (often used affectionately for babies or round faces).
• Mập mạp: Stocky, stout, plump (usually for body build).
• Sưng: Swollen (typically due to injury or illness, more medical and negative).

Antonyms

• Hóp: Sunken, hollow (e.g., sunken cheeks).
• Gầy: Thin, skinny.
• Khô héo: Withered, shriveled.

Notes on Usage

• Connotation: "Phình phĩnh" usually describes a temporary, natural, or pleasant plumpness (like a baby's cheeks or a well-stuffed pillow). It is less likely to be used for obesity or pathological swelling.
• Common Collocations: Often used with words for round body parts: (chubby cheeks), (plump belly), (puffy face).
• Word Type: It is primarily an adjective. As a reduplicative word, it is rarely used in other grammatical forms.

1. xem phĩnh (láy)