trao tráo
Definition
- Adjective:
- Wide-open and staring: Describes eyes that are opened very wide and fixed in a direct, often unblinking gaze. It implies a look that is intense, unnatural, or indicative of a state such as insomnia, shock, or intense focus.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Mắt nó mở trao tráo nhìn lên trần nhà. (Its eyes were wide open, staring at the ceiling.)
- Đứa bé có đôi mắt trao tráo, không chịu nhắm lại để ngủ. (The child had wide, staring eyes and refused to close them to sleep.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used to describe the eyes (). It carries a connotation of an abnormal or forced state of being open, often against the natural need to sleep or rest.
Variants and Related Words
- Tráo trơ (adj): Brazen, shameless (describes attitude/behavior, not eyes).
- Mở to (v phrase): To open wide (a more general, neutral phrase).
Synonyms
- Wide-eyed: Having the eyes wide open, especially with surprise or wonder.
- Staring: Looking fixedly or vacantly at someone or something with one's eyes wide open.
- Goggle-eyed: Having eyes that are wide open and staring, often due to amazement or shock.
Related Idioms
- There are no common idioms directly using "trao tráo". Its usage is specific to the description of eyes.