Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To scowl; to make a sullen or displeased facial expression: This phrase describes the action of one's face darkening or becoming visibly upset, angry, or displeased. It indicates a clear change in facial expression to show negative emotion.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Nghe tin đó, anh ta xạu mặt ngay. (Hearing that news, he scowled immediately.)
  • Đừng có xạu mặt với tôi như thế. (Don't scowl at me like that.)
  • Cô ấy xạu mặt khi bị chỉ trích. (Her face darkened when she was criticized.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to describe a sudden, reactive change in expression due to a specific incident or words, implying a loss of composure or visible irritation.

Variants and Related Words

• Cau mặt (v): to frown.

  • Cậu bé cau mặt khi không được cho ăn kem. (The boy frowned when he wasn't given ice cream.)

• Nhăn mặt (v): to grimace (often due to pain or distaste).

  • Cô ấy nhăn mặt khi uống thuốc đắng. (She grimaced when drinking the bitter medicine.)

Synonyms

• To scowl: to have an angry or bad-tempered expression.
• To glower: to look or stare with sullen anger.
• To make a face: to show dislike or displeasure through facial expression.

Related Idioms

• Xạu mặt xạu mày: to be extremely sullen or to show profound displeasure across one's entire countenance. This idiom intensifies the meaning of "xạu mặt."
  • Ông chủ xạu mặt xạu mày khi xem báo cáo thua lỗ. (The boss looked utterly sullen when reviewing the loss report.)