vỗ đùi
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To slap one's thighs: The literal action of striking one's own thighs with an open hand. This gesture is often an impulsive, physical reaction to a strong emotion.
- To express a sudden, strong emotion: Most commonly used to depict a person expressing great amusement, delight, satisfaction, or sometimes sudden realization or regret through this specific physical action.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Ông cụ nghe chuyện hài, cười và vỗ đùi đánh "bốp". (The old man listened to the joke, laughed, and slapped his thigh with a "smack".)
- Anh ấy vỗ đùi khen: "Hay quá!" (He slapped his thigh and exclaimed: "Excellent!")
- Nghe tin ấy, bà ta chỉ biết vỗ đùi tiếc nuối. (Hearing that news, she could only slap her thigh in regret.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase "vỗ đùi đánh đét" emphasizes the sound and force of the action, heightening the imagery of the reaction.
- Ông chủ vỗ đùi đánh đét khi thấy kết quả kinh doanh. (The boss slapped his thigh loudly when he saw the business results.)
Variants and Related Words
Vỗ tay (v): to clap hands; to applaud.
- Khán giả vỗ tay nhiệt liệt. (The audience applauded enthusiastically.)
Vỗ về (v): to soothe, to comfort (often by patting gently).
- Mẹ vỗ về đứa trẻ. (The mother soothed the child.)
Synonyms
- To slap one's knees: A similar gestural expression in English.
- To exclaim with glee: To cry out joyfully (capturing the emotional component).
Related Idioms
Cười vỗ đùi: to laugh while slapping one's thigh; to express uproarious laughter and approval.
- Cả phòng cười vỗ đùi trước màn trình diễn. (The whole room roared with laughter, slapping their thighs at the performance.)
Vỗ đùi hả hê: to slap one's thigh in smug satisfaction or gloating.
- Hắn vỗ đùi hả hê khi kế hoạch thành công. (He slapped his thigh in smug satisfaction when the plan succeeded.)