sượng sùng

sượng sùng

Một cô bé sượng sùng cúi mặt khi được khen.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Embarrassed, abashed, sheepish: The primary meaning describes a state of feeling awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed due to a social misstep, a mistake, or being caught in an uncomfortable situation. It implies a visible reaction, such as a flushed face or downcast eyes.
    • Flustered, disconcerted: It can also describe a state of being flustered or thrown off balance, often leading to hesitant or clumsy behavior.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • Cậu bé sượng sùng nhận lỗi trước mặt cả lớp. (The boy sheepishly admitted his mistake in front of the whole class.)
    • Nghe lời chọc ghẹo, cô ấy chỉ biết cười sượng sùng. (Hearing the teasing, she could only give an embarrassed smile.)
    • Anh ấy đứng sượng sùng một lúc vì quên hết bài diễn văn. (He stood there flustered for a moment, having forgotten his entire speech.)
Advanced Usage
  • The word "sượng sùng" often describes a temporary, reactive state rather than a permanent character trait. It is frequently used in narratives to depict a character's immediate physical and emotional reaction to embarrassment.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sượng (adj): Can mean stiff, rigid, or (colloquially) embarrassed. "Sượng sùng" is an intensified, more descriptive form.
    • Câu chuyện của anh ta khiến mọi người nghe mà thấy sượng. (His story made everyone who heard it feel embarrassed.)
  • Ngượng (adj): Shy, embarrassed. "Ngượng" is a more common and general term for embarrassment, while "sượng sùng" often implies being caught off guard.
    • Cô ấy cảm thấy ngượng khi được khen. (She felt shy when praised.)
Synonyms
  • Embarrassed: Feeling self-conscious and awkward.
  • Abashed: Embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
  • Sheepish: Showing embarrassment from shame or foolishness.
  • Flustered: Agitated or confused.
Related Idioms
  • Sượng sùng đỏ mặt: To be so embarrassed one's face turns red. This phrase emphasizes the physical manifestation of the feeling.
    • Cậu bé sượng sùng đỏ mặt khi bị bắt quả tang. (The boy was red-faced with embarrassment after being caught red-handed.)