tống tình
Definition
- Verb:
- To make eyes at someone / to flirt with someone: The primary meaning of "tống tình" is to look at someone with amorous or flirtatious eyes, often to express romantic interest or attraction.
- To see someone off with affection: A less common, more literal meaning involves bidding someone farewell in a sentimental or emotionally charged manner.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh chàng ngồi đối diện tống tình cô ấy suốt bữa tối. (The guy sitting opposite made eyes at her throughout the dinner.)
- Cô ấy tống tình anh ta nhưng anh ta không nhận ra. (She was flirting with him with her eyes, but he didn't notice.)
- Họ tống tình nhau ở sân ga. (They saw each other off with deep affection at the train station.)
Advanced Usage
- The action of "tống tình" is typically subtle and non-verbal, relying on eye contact and expression rather than words. It often describes a preliminary stage of romantic interest.
Variants and Related Words
- Liếc mắt đưa tình (idiomatic phrase): to glance flirtatiously, to make a pass with one's eyes. This is a more descriptive synonym for the act of "tống tình".
Synonyms
- To flirt: to behave as if attracted to someone.
- To make eyes at someone: to look at someone in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest.
- To ogle: to stare at in a lecherous manner (can carry a more negative connotation than "tống tình").
Related Idioms
- Đưa tình: to show affection or amorous interest. This is closely related and often used in similar contexts as "tống tình".