Definition

Adjective: 1. Sweet, gentle, soft, soothing: Describes something that is pleasant, mild, and calming to the senses (especially hearing and touch) or emotions. It implies a quality that is free from harshness, roughness, or agitation. 2. Smooth, mellow: Often used to describe sounds (like a voice or music) or textures that are agreeable and not jarring.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy có một giọng nói rất êm dịu. (She has a very gentle / soothing voice.)
  • Âm nhạc êm dịu giúp tôi thư giãn. (Soft / mellow music helps me relax.)
  • Làn da cô ấy êm dịu như nhung. (Her skin is smooth / velvety.)
  • Sau cơn bão, bầu không khí trở nên êm dịu hơn. (After the storm, the atmosphere became more calm / tranquil.)

Advanced Usage

• "một cách êm dịu": in a gentle/soothing manner.
  • Cô ấy vuốt tóc đứa trẻ một cách êm dịu. (She stroked the child's hair in a soothing manner.)
• Used to describe abstract concepts like atmosphere, mood, or light.
  • Ánh đèn êm dịu trong phòng ngủ. (The soft light in the bedroom.)

Variants and Related Words

• Êm ái (adj): Soft, gentle, cozy. Often interchangeable with "êm dịu" but can emphasize comfort and pleasantness (e.g., - a cozy blanket).
• Dịu dàng (adj): Gentle, tender, kind. More commonly used to describe a person's personality, demeanor, or affectionate actions.
• Dịu (adj): Mild, subdued, abated (e.g., - the pain has subsided; - the weather is cool and mild).

Synonyms

• Nhẹ nhàng: Light, gentle (in action or manner).
• Ôn hòa: Mild, temperate, gentle (often for climate or personality).
• Thanh thoát: Light, graceful, ethereal (often for sound or movement).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Êm đềm: Peaceful, serene, untroubled (often describing a calm life or situation).
  • Họ sống một cuộc sống êm đềm ở nông thôn. (They live a peaceful / tranquil life in the countryside.)
• Dịu giọng: To soften one's tone of voice.
  • Sau khi cãi nhau, anh ấy đã dịu giọng xin lỗi. (After arguing, he softened his tone to apologize.)

adj

1. sweet, gentle, smooth