thoải
Definition
- Adjective:
- Gentle slope: Describing a surface, especially land or terrain, that inclines gradually and smoothly, not steeply.
- Gradual / Mild: Describing a decline, incline, or transition that happens slowly and without sharp changes.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Sườn đồi thoải rất dễ leo. (The gentle hillside is very easy to climb.)
- Con đường thoải dần xuống biển. (The road slopes gently down to the sea.)
- Mái nhà được thiết kế thoải để thoát nước. (The roof is designed with a mild slope for drainage.)
Advanced Usage
- "thoai thoải": (reduplicated form) Very gentle or slight slope. This form softens the meaning, emphasizing a barely perceptible incline.
- Bãi biển có độ dốc thoai thoải, an toàn cho trẻ em. (The beach has a very gentle gradient, safe for children.)
Variants and Related Words
- Thoải mái (adj): This is a distinct compound word meaning "comfortable," "relaxed," or "at ease." It is related etymologically through the concept of ease and lack of strain.
- Căn phòng này khiến tôi cảm thấy rất thoải mái. (This room makes me feel very comfortable.)
Synonyms
- Gradual: Taking place or changing slowly.
- Gentle: Moderate in action, effect, or degree; not steep or abrupt.
- Mild: Not sharp, severe, or extreme.
Related Idioms
- Thoải con gà mái: (Literally: "as sloping as a hen's back") An idiom describing something that is very gently sloped or has a very low, gradual incline.
- Mái lều thoải con gà mái. (The tent roof has a very gentle slope.)