Definition

Noun: 1. Countenance, facial expression reflecting one's spirit or mental state: The look on one's face that reveals their inner spirit, vitality, or emotional state. It often refers to the overall appearance and expression that indicates whether someone is energetic, tired, happy, or unwell. 2. Complexion (in a broader, more holistic sense): While sometimes translated as "complexion," it emphasizes the color and vitality of the face as an indicator of overall health and spirit, not just skin tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sau trận ốm, thần sắc của anh ấy trông rất mệt mỏi. (After the illness, his countenance looked very tired.)
  • Cô ấy bước vào phòng với thần sắc tươi tỉnh và đầy tự tin. (She entered the room with a bright and confident look on her face.)
  • Bác sĩ nhận xét thần sắc bệnh nhân đã khá hơn nhiều. (The doctor remarked that the patient's complexion (overall vitality) had improved a lot.)

Advanced Usage

• "Mất thần sắc": To lose one's color/vitality; to look pale, drained, or lifeless.
  • Nghe tin buồn, mặt cô ấy mất thần sắc. (Upon hearing the sad news, her face lost all its color.)
• "Thần sắc u ám": A gloomy, somber, or dark countenance.
  • Anh ta có thần sắc u ám suốt cả ngày. (He had a gloomy countenance all day.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thần thái (n): A closely related term often emphasizing demeanor, aura, or charismatic presence, not just the facial expression.
  • Người mẫu ấy có thần thái rất cuốn hút. (That model has a very captivating demeanor.)
• Sắc mặt (n): Facial color/expression; often used more for immediate reactions (e.g., turning pale, red).
  • Nghe xong, sắc mặt anh ta biến đổi. (After listening, his facial expression changed.)
• Vẻ mặt (n): General term for facial expression.
  • Cô ấy có vẻ mặt lo lắng. (She has a worried facial expression.)

Synonyms

• Countenance (n): Formal term for facial expression.
• Demeanor (n): Outward behavior or bearing, which includes facial expression.
• Mien (n): Literary term for a person's look or bearing.

Related Idioms

• "Thần sắc khác thường": To have an unusual or strange look on one's face.
  • Hôm nay trông anh ta có thần sắc khác thường. (Today he seems to have an unusual look on his face.)

noun

1. look, complextion, countenance