Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Timid; shy: Describes a person who lacks confidence or is hesitant to act or speak, often due to nervousness or fear of embarrassment. It implies a cautious, withdrawn, or reticent demeanor.
   • Coy; bashful: Suggests a modest or reserved shyness, sometimes implying a degree of demureness or reluctance to be forward.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ rất rụt rè khi gặp người lạ. (The child is very shy when meeting strangers.)
  • Cô ấy rụt rè đưa ra ý kiến của mình trong cuộc họp. (She timidly offered her opinion in the meeting.)
  • Anh ấy có một nụ cười rụt rè. (He has a coy smile.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "rụt rè" often describes an inherent personality trait or a temporary state in a specific social situation. It can be used to describe behavior, speech, or even physical gestures (e.g., a shy glance, a timid step).

Variants and Related Words

• Nhút nhát (adj): A close synonym meaning timid, shy, easily frightened. It can sometimes imply a more fearful nature than "rụt rè."
• E dè (adj/v): To be cautious, hesitant, or wary. It can overlap with "rụt rè" but often focuses more on caution than inherent shyness.
• Bẽn lẽn (adj): Bashful, shy (often with a connotation of coyness or modesty).

Synonyms

• Shy: Nervous or timid in the company of other people.
• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
• Bashful: Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.
• Coy: Making a pretense of shyness or modesty.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Rụt rè như thỏ đế: As timid as a young rabbit. This idiom emphasizes extreme shyness or timidity.
  • Cậu bé ấy rụt rè như thỏ đế, chẳng dám nói gì. (That boy is as timid as a young rabbit; he doesn't dare say anything.)

adj

1. timid; coy; shy