xuống giọng
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To lower one's tone/voice: To speak more softly or with less volume, often to convey calmness, secrecy, or deference.
- To back down / to moderate one's stance: To become less aggressive, demanding, or confrontational in speech or attitude; to soften one's position in a discussion or argument.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Thấy con sợ, mẹ liền xuống giọng dỗ dành. (Seeing the child was scared, the mother immediately lowered her voice to soothe.)
- Ban đầu anh ấy phản đối kịch liệt, nhưng sau đó đã xuống giọng. (At first he strongly opposed, but later he backed down.)
- Cô ấy xuống giọng khi nói chuyện với sếp. (She lowered her tone when speaking to her boss.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies a deliberate change in vocal delivery or attitude to achieve a specific effect, such as de-escalating a conflict, showing respect, or expressing sympathy.
Variants and Related Words
- Hạ giọng (verb phrase): A near-synonym meaning to lower one's voice or tone.
- Anh ta hạ giọng thì thầm. (He lowered his voice to a whisper.)
Synonyms
- To soften one's tone: To speak in a less harsh or more gentle manner.
- To relent: To become less severe, harsh, or strict.
- To climb down: To withdraw from a previously held position or opinion in an argument.
Related Idioms
- Xuống nước: To yield, to give in, or to compromise. While similar in meaning to moderating one's stance, "xuống nước" is broader and not specifically tied to speech.
- Cuối cùng, bên kia cũng chịu xuống nước. (Finally, the other side also agreed to yield.)