Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To tiptoe; to walk gingerly: To walk very quietly and carefully, typically by stepping on the balls of the feet, in order to avoid making noise or disturbing someone or something. It implies caution and a desire for silence.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Cô ấy rén bước trong hành lang bệnh viện. (She tiptoed/walked gingerly in the hospital corridor.)
  • Đứa bé rén bước ra khỏi phòng để không đánh thức mẹ. (The child tiptoed out of the room so as not to wake his mother.)
  • Chúng tôi phải rén bước qua căn phòng tối. (We had to walk gingerly through the dark room.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "rén bước" often carries a connotation of reverence, respect, or fear, depending on the context. It is not merely a physical action but also describes a cautious, subdued state of mind while moving.

Variants and Related Words

• Đi nhón chân (verb phrase): to walk on tiptoe. This is a more literal and common synonym for the physical action.

  • Nó đi nhón chân lại gần. (He tiptoed closer.)

• Bước chân nhẹ nhàng (verb phrase): to step lightly/softly.

  • Cô ấy bước chân nhẹ nhàng như một con mèo. (She stepped as softly as a cat.)

Synonyms

• Tiptoe: To walk quietly on the balls of the feet.
• Walk gingerly: To walk with extreme care and caution.
• Creep: To move slowly and quietly, often stealthily.

Related Idioms

• Nín thở rén bước: To hold one's breath and tiptoe. This idiom emphasizes extreme caution and silence.
  • Cả nhà nín thở rén bước vì em bé vừa ngủ. (The whole family held their breath and tiptoed because the baby had just fallen asleep.)

1. Tiptoe, walk gingerly
   • Rén bước trong hành lang bệnh viện
     To walk gingerly in the corridor of a hospital