Definition

1. Interjection:

   • Hey: Used to call out to someone, often in a casual, direct, or slightly impolite manner to get their attention.
   • Expression of teasing: Used to mock or tease someone, often a child, in a playful way.

2. Adjective:

   • Numb: Describing a dull, aching, or tingling sensation in a part of the body.
   • Ashamed / Embarrassed: Describing a state of feeling shame, awkwardness, or embarrassment, often causing one to blush.

3. Adverb:

   • Dully (aching): Used to describe a persistent, low-level pain or soreness.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:

  • Ê! Đi đâu đấy? (Hey! Where are you going?)
  • Ê! Lớn thế mà còn vòi! (Hey! You're so big and still whining!)

• Adjective:

  • Tay tôi bị ê vì cầm máy rung. (My hand is numb from holding the vibrating tool.)
  • Nghe lời chê, cô ấy ê cả mặt. (Hearing the criticism, she was utterly ashamed [her face burned with embarrassment].)

• Adverb:

  • Gánh nặng làm vai tôi đau ê. (The heavy load made my shoulder ache dully.)

Advanced Usage

• The interjection "Ê" is considered informal and can be perceived as rude if used with strangers or elders. Its tone is crucial.
• The adjective meaning "ashamed" is often used in the fixed expression "ê mặt" (literally "numb/ashamed face"), meaning to be deeply embarrassed.

Variants and Related Words

• Ê ẩm (adj): Aching all over, thoroughly sore.
  • Làm việc nặng một ngày, tối về người ê ẩm. (After a day of hard labor, my body aches all over in the evening.)

Synonyms

• Hey: (for calling attention).
• Numb: lacking sensation.
• Ashamed: feeling shame.
• Aching: suffering a continuous dull pain.

Related Idioms

• Ê mặt: To be deeply embarrassed or ashamed.
  • Bị phát hiện nói dối, nó ê mặt không dám nhìn ai. (Caught in a lie, he was too ashamed to look at anyone.)

verb

1. to be numb
2. Ashamed
   • ê quá
     What a shame!