rụt
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To withdraw; to pull back: To move a body part or an object inward or backward, away from a previous position. This often describes a quick, reflexive movement.
- To retract: To draw something back into itself, like a cat's claws.
- To shrink; to shorten: To become shorter or to contract in length or size.
Adjective (in compound forms):
- Timid; shrinking: Used in reduplicative forms to describe a fearful, hesitant, or cowering demeanor.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa bé rụt tay lại khi chạm vào nước nóng. (The child withdrew his hand when touching the hot water.)
- Con mèo có thể rụt móng vuốt vào. (A cat can retract its claws.)
- Tấm vải này bị rụt lại sau khi giặt. (This fabric shrank after washing.)
Advanced Usage
"rụt rè": to be timid, shy, or hesitant.
- Cô bé ấy rất rụt rè khi gặp người lạ. (That little girl is very shy when meeting strangers.)
"rụt đầu rụt cổ":
- Literally describes someone physically pulling their head and neck in, often due to fear or cold.
- Nó ngồi rụt đầu rụt cổ trong góc phòng. (He sat cowering in the corner of the room.)
- Figuratively describes someone who is very obese, with the head appearing to sink into the neck.
- Ông ấy béo đến mức trông rụt đầu rụt cổ. (He is so fat he looks like his head is sunk into his neck.)
Variants and Related Words
- Rụt cổ (v): to pull one's neck in; to act in a cowardly manner.
- Co rụt (v): to shrink back; to cower. This emphasizes the coiling or contracting motion.
Synonyms
- Withdraw: to pull back.
- Retract: to draw back in.
- Shrink: to become smaller.
- Cower: to crouch down in fear.
Related Idioms
- Rụt như rùa: to shrink back like a turtle (into its shell); meaning to be extremely timid or to withdraw from interaction.
- Đừng có rụt như rùa, hãy mạnh dạn lên! (Don't shrink back like a turtle, be more confident!)