thào

Một cơn gió thào qua khu vườn.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pass by like a gust or a whisper: Describes something moving or occurring very lightly, softly, and transiently, like a fleeting breeze or a murmured word.
   • To speak in a very low voice, to whisper: Specifically refers to the act of speaking softly, often directly into someone's ear.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gió thào một cái. (A gust of wind passed by.)
  • Cô ấy nói thào vào tai tôi. (She whispered into my ear.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to evoke a sense of something brief, faint, and insubstantial, whether a physical sensation or a manner of speech.
• It can imply a lack of depth or intensity in a relationship when used metaphorically.

Variants and Related Words

• Thào lảo (adj): Describes something very thin, gaunt, or frail.
  • Người ốm thào lảo. (The sick person is very gaunt.)

Synonyms

• Whisper: to speak very softly.
• Gust: a brief, strong rush of wind.
• Fleeting: passing swiftly; transient.

Related Idioms

• Quen thào: A superficial or casual acquaintance, not a deep or intimate friendship.
  • Họ chỉ quen thào, không phải bạn thân. (They are merely casual acquaintances, not close friends.)