êm lặng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Calm and quiet: Describes a state of peacefulness, tranquility, and absence of noise or disturbance. It emphasizes a gentle, undisturbed serenity.
- Smooth and still: Can describe a physical condition, such as water that is smooth and without waves, or a situation that is proceeding without trouble.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cả làng chìm trong không khí êm lặng của buổi sớm mai. (The village was immersed in the calm and quiet atmosphere of the early morning.)
- Mặt hồ thật êm lặng. (The lake's surface is very smooth and still.)
- Cuộc sống của họ trôi qua một cách êm lặng. (Their life passed by in a calm and quiet manner.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke a deep sense of peace. It can describe both external environments (nature, places) and internal states (moods, life periods).
Variants and Related Words
- Êm đềm (adj): peaceful, tranquil, and gentle, often describing a smooth and untroubled flow of life or events.
- Họ có một cuộc sống êm đềm. (They have a peaceful life.)
- Lặng lẽ (adj/adv): silent, quiet, and often implying solitude or a lack of ostentation.
- Cô ấy bước đi lặng lẽ. (She walked quietly.)
Synonyms
- Tranquil: free from disturbance; calm.
- Serene: calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
- Placid: not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful, especially of a body of water.
Related Idioms
- Êm lặng như tờ: As quiet as a sheet (of paper); meaning extremely quiet and still.
- Đêm khuya, phố xá êm lặng như tờ. (Late at night, the streets were as quiet as a sheet.)