thẹn thùng
Adjective: - Shy, bashful, timid: Describes a state of feeling easily embarrassed or ashamed, often visibly manifested through one's demeanor or appearance, such as blushing, avoiding eye contact, or speaking softly. It conveys a sense of modest reserve. - Abashed: Feeling or showing embarrassment or shame, typically from a slight sense of wrongdoing or from being the center of attention.
"Thẹn thùng" is used to describe a person's temporary state or inherent characteristic of shyness and bashfulness. It often implies a charming, innocent, or endearing quality, particularly when someone is in a new, unfamiliar, or emotionally charged situation (like romantic encounters). It describes both the internal feeling and the external, visible signs of that feeling.
- (She answered in a bashful voice.)
- (The groom looked shy on his wedding day.)
- (Don't be so timid, be more confident!)
- (The girl's bashful smile won everyone over.)
- "Làm thẹn thùng": To make someone feel shy or bashful.
- Lời khen của anh ấy làm cô thẹn thùng. (His compliment made her feel bashful.)
- Used in literary or descriptive contexts to paint a vivid picture of a character's delicate emotions and demeanor.
- Thẹn (verb/adjective): To be/feel ashamed or embarrassed. "Thẹn thùng" is a more descriptive and nuanced form, often emphasizing the visible aspect.
- E thẹn (adjective): Shy, bashful (similar meaning, slightly more common in Southern Vietnamese).
- Ngại ngùng (adjective): Hesitant, reluctant, often due to shyness or politeness.
- Rụt rè (adjective): Timid, hesitant, lacking confidence.
- Bẽn lẽn: Bashful, shy (very close synonym, often used interchangeably).
- Xấu hổ: Ashamed, embarrassed (stronger, often implies a more specific reason for shame).
- Ngượng ngịu: Awkward, ill at ease.
While the reference context lists it as a verb ("to feel ashamed"), in modern Vietnamese, "thẹn thùng" is predominantly used as an adjective to describe a state or characteristic. The verbal sense is more directly covered by the root word "thẹn".
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to feel ashamed
