Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be agitated, to be stirred, to be unsettled: "xao động" describes a state of being disturbed, shaken, or emotionally unsettled, often due to external influences or internal thoughts. It implies a lack of calm or peace.
   • To rustle, to sway (of physical objects): "xao động" can also describe the physical movement of objects, like leaves or branches, being stirred by the wind.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cơn gió làm cây xao động. (The wind made the trees sway/agitated the trees.)
  • Lòng tôi xao động với bao kỉ niệm xưa. (My heart was stirred/agitated by so many old memories.)
  • Thu tới, ngoài kia biển trời xao động. (When autumn comes, the sea and sky out there are unsettled/agitated.)

Advanced Usage

• "lòng xao động": an agitated/restless heart; a state of emotional turmoil.
  • Tin bất ngờ khiến lòng cô xao động. (The unexpected news left her heart agitated.)
• "tâm trí xao động": a disturbed/restless mind.
  • Anh ấy không thể tập trung vì tâm trí đang xao động. (He couldn't concentrate because his mind was unsettled.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xao xuyến (verb/adjective): to be fluttery, to be emotionally moved (often with a nuance of nostalgia or tender emotion). It is a close synonym but often implies a softer, more poignant stirring.
  • Cô ấy xao xuyến khi nghe lại bản nhạc cũ. (She felt a flutter/heartache upon hearing the old song again.)
• Dao động (verb): to oscillate, to fluctuate, to waver. This word focuses more on physical oscillation or indecision between choices, rather than emotional agitation.
  • Kim đồng hồ dao động. (The clock's hand oscillates.)
  • Anh ấy dao động giữa hai lựa chọn. (He wavered between two choices.)

Synonyms

• Bồn chồn: restless, fidgety (often due to anxiety or anticipation).
• Không yên: not calm, unsettled.
• Rối bời: confused, in a turmoil.

Related Idioms

• Lòng như sóng dậy: (one's) heart is like rising waves; an idiom describing intense emotional agitation.
  • Nghe tin ấy, lòng cô như sóng dậy. (Upon hearing that news, her heart was like rising waves.)
• Tâm tư rối bời: a state of confused and troubled thoughts.
  • Những ngày qua, tâm tư anh rối bời. (In recent days, his thoughts have been in turmoil.)

verb

1. agitate