Definition

1. Adjective/Adverb (Onomatopoeia):
   • Whimpering; in a whimpering manner: Describes a soft, low, continuous, and often plaintive sound, typically associated with crying, sobbing, or sometimes muffled laughter. It conveys a sense of something faint, subdued, and persistent.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverb:
  • Đứa trẻ khóc ri rí trong phòng. (The child is whimpering in the room.)
  • Tiếng cười ri rí vang lên từ góc lớp. (A muffled snicker sounded from the corner of the classroom.)
  • Cô ấy nói ri rí, không ai nghe thấy gì. (She spoke in a faint whisper; no one could hear anything.)

Advanced Usage

• "ri rí" for non-human sounds: Can be extended to describe other faint, continuous sounds, such as a small stream, a distant radio, or a machine humming softly.
  • Chiếc radio cũ phát nhạc ri rí. (The old radio played music faintly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rỉ rả (adj/adv): Describes a continuous, monotonous, and often annoying sound (like dripping water or constant chatter). It implies more persistence and regularity than "ri rí."
  • Mưa rơi rỉ rả suốt đêm. (The rain fell in a steady drizzle all night.)

Synonyms

• Whimpering: To cry with soft, broken sounds.
• Sniveling: To cry and sniffle in a whining way.
• Muttering: To speak in a low, indistinct voice.
• Faintly: In a way that is barely perceptible.

Related Idioms

• Khóc ri rí như mèo: To cry softly like a cat (whimpering).
  • Nó bị mắng nên ngồi khóc ri rí như mèo. (He was scolded, so he sat there crying softly like a cat.)

1. Whimpering
   • Tiếng khóc ri rỉ
     Whimpering cries