thảng thốt
Definition
- Adjective:
- Startled / Agitated: Describes a state of sudden alarm, fluster, or emotional disturbance, often with a visible reaction. It implies being caught off guard, leading to a momentary loss of composure.
- Panicked / In a flurry: Conveys a stronger sense of hurried, anxious, or disorganized reaction due to surprise or fear.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy thảng thốt khi nghe tin dữ. (She was startled upon hearing the bad news.)
- Anh ấy trả lời với giọng thảng thốt. (He answered in a panicked voice.)
- Mọi người thảng thốt chạy ra khỏi tòa nhà. (People ran out of the building in a flurry.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used to describe the tone of voice, facial expression, or immediate action following a shock.
- Ánh mắt thảng thốt: a startled look.
- Tiếng kêu thảng thốt: a panicked cry.
Variants and Related Words
- Thất thần (adj): stunned, bewildered; often a deeper, more dazed state than .
- Hoảng hốt (adj): frightened, terrified; generally indicates a stronger degree of fear.
Synonyms
- Startled: surprised and slightly alarmed.
- Agitated: disturbed, flustered.
- Panicked: affected by sudden, overwhelming fear.
- Flustered: nervous and confused.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Giật mình thảng thốt: to be utterly startled or jump in fright. Emphasizes the sudden, physical reaction.
- Tiếng nổ khiến mọi người giật mình thảng thốt. (The explosion made everyone jump in fright.)