thin thít
Definition
- Adjective:
- Completely silent, utterly quiet: Describes a state of absolute silence where no sound is made, often implying a deliberate or tense quietness.
- Mute, not speaking or crying: Refers to a person or group remaining completely silent, not uttering a word or sound, often due to fear, obedience, or concentration.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cả lớp ngồi thin thít nghe cô giáo giảng. (The whole class sat in complete silence listening to the teacher lecture.)
- Đứa bé thin thít trong góc, không dám khóc. (The child was utterly quiet in the corner, not daring to cry.)
- Căn nhà hoàn toàn thin thít lúc nửa đêm. (The house was completely silent at midnight.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thin thít" is often used to emphasize an intense, profound, or unnatural level of silence, contrasting with a previous state of noise or an expected reaction. It can carry connotations of stillness, secrecy, or suppressed emotion.
Variants and Related Words
- Thít (adj): This is a root component meaning "tight" or "taut," but in this reduplicative form, the meaning shifts entirely to describe silence.
- Im thin thít (adj phrase): An emphatic phrase for "dead silent," reinforcing the meaning of "thin thít."
- Mọi người im thin thít chờ kết quả. (Everyone was dead silent waiting for the result.)
Synonyms
- Silent: Making no sound.
- Hushed: Made quiet.
- Mute: Refraining from speech.
- Soundless: Without sound.
Related Idioms
- Thin thít như thịt nấu đông: (As silent as jellied meat). A simile emphasizing absolute, congealed silence.
- Sau lời buộc tội, phòng xử án thin thít như thịt nấu đông. (After the accusation, the courtroom was as silent as jellied meat.)