xoe
Definition
Verb:
- To spread out or fan out (fingers, toes, or similar objects): To extend and separate the digits of a hand or foot, or similar flexible parts, into a wide, open position.
- To open wide (eyes): To open one's eyes very widely, often due to surprise, amazement, or intense focus.
Adjective (often used in the reduplicated form "xoe xoe" or combined as "tròn xoe"):
- Wide and round (describing eyes): Describing eyes that are opened fully into a circular shape, typically expressing astonishment.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- Đứa trẻ xoe ngón tay ra để đếm. (The child spread its fingers out to count.)
- Cô ấy xoe mắt nhìn khi nghe tin sốc. (She opened her eyes wide when she heard the shocking news.)
Adjective:
- Bé nhìn với đôi mắt tròn xoe. (The child looked with wide, round eyes.)
- Con mèo ngồi, mắt xoe xoe nhìn con chim. (The cat sat, its eyes wide open, looking at the bird.)
Advanced Usage
"xoe tay": to spread one's hand open.
- Nó xoe tay ra đòi kẹo. (It spread its hand open, asking for candy.)
"xoe chân": to spread one's toes.
- Bé tập đi, xoe chân ra để giữ thăng bằng. (The baby is learning to walk, spreading its toes to keep balance.)
Variants and Related Words
Tròn xoe (adj): perfectly round and wide (almost exclusively for eyes).
- Đôi mắt đen tròn xoe. (Big, round, black eyes.)
Xoe xoe (adj): the reduplicated form emphasizing the state of being wide open (often for eyes).
Synonyms
- To splay: to spread out (fingers, toes).
- To widen: to make or become wide (eyes).
- Goggle-eyed: having wide, staring eyes (adjective).
Related Idioms
- Mắt tròn mắt dẹt: (an idiom meaning utterly astonished, literally "round eyes and flat eyes"). While not using "xoe" directly, it describes a similar state of wide-eyed surprise.
- Nghe câu chuyện, tôi cứ mắt tròn mắt dẹt. (Hearing the story, I was completely wide-eyed in astonishment.)