Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Tender; affectionate; fond: Expressing warm, gentle, and loving feelings, often through tone, gesture, or behavior.
   • Endearing: Inspiring or showing affection and warmth.

2. Adverb:

   • Tenderly; affectionately; fondly: In a manner that shows warm, gentle, and loving care.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Cô ấy nhìn đứa trẻ bằng ánh mắt trìu mến. (She looked at the child with a tender gaze.)
  • Đó là một cử chỉ rất trìu mến. (That was a very affectionate gesture.)

• Adverb:

  • Bà cầm tay cháu và nói trìu mến. (The grandmother held her grandchild's hand and spoke tenderly.)
  • Anh ấy vuốt ve con mèo một cách trìu mến. (He petted the cat affectionately.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "trìu mến" often describes a deep, gentle, and caring form of love, typically not romantic but rather parental, friendly, or protective. It implies a sense of cherished fondness.

Variants and Related Words

• Trìu mến is a compound word formed from "trìu" (to attract, to draw close) and "mến" (to be fond of). It is primarily used in its combined form.
• Âu yếm (adj, v): to caress; affectionate. While similar, "âu yếm" can imply more physical demonstration of affection (e.g., hugging, kissing) compared to the often emotional or expressive quality of "trìu mến".

Synonyms

• Affectionate: showing gentle love and care.
• Tender: showing gentleness, kindness, and affection.
• Fond: having an affection or liking for.
• Loving: feeling or showing love.

Related Idioms

• Giọng nói trìu mến: an affectionate/tender tone of voice.
  • Bà kể chuyện với giọng nói trìu mến. (She told the story in an affectionate tone.)
• Ánh mắt trìu mến: a tender/affectionate gaze.
  • Ánh mắt trìu mến của mẹ làm tôi thấy ấm lòng. (My mother's tender gaze made me feel warm inside.)

adv, adj

1. tender, tenderly