Definition

1. Verb:
   • To say something with a smooth, flattering, or insincere tongue; to speak sweetly or coaxingly without genuine intent. It describes the act of uttering pleasant or agreeable words, often superficially, to please someone momentarily or to smooth over a situation, without any real commitment or sincerity behind them.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy chỉ đưa đà vài câu cho xong chuyện. (He just said a few smooth words to get it over with.)
  • Đừng tin những lời đưa đà của họ. (Don't believe their smooth-talking / flattering words.)
  • Cô ấy đưa đà để an ủi tôi, nhưng tôi biết đó không phải sự thật. (She spoke sweetly to comfort me, but I knew it wasn't the truth.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, implying deception, superficiality, or a lack of serious intent. It is frequently used in contexts where words are used to placate, flatter, or deceive without corresponding action or genuine feeling.
• It can describe verbal behavior that is tactful or diplomatic on the surface but ultimately empty or manipulative.

Variants and Related Words

• Đưa đẩy (verb): To exchange pleasantries or engage in flirtatious or suggestive banter. While also involving playful speech, "đưa đẩy" often has a more mutual, teasing, or romantic connotation compared to the often one-sided and insincere "đưa đà".
• Nói ngọt (verb phrase): To speak sweetly; to use sweet talk. This is a close synonym but may not always carry the strong implication of insincerity that "đưa đà" does.
• Tán tỉnh (verb): To flirt, to court. This involves using charming words with romantic intent.

Synonyms

• Flatter: To praise excessively or insincerely.
• Cajole: To persuade someone with gentle pleading or flattery.
• Sweet-talk: To use flattery or charming speech to persuade or deceive.
• Blandish: To coax or influence with gentle urging, smooth words, or flattery.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Đưa đà qua chuyện: To smooth things over with words; to use flattering talk to get past a situation.
  • Hắn chỉ biết đưa đà qua chuyện chứ không bao giờ chịu giải quyết thật sự. (He only knows how to smooth things over with talk but never actually solves anything.)
• Lời nói đưa đà: Smooth/flattering/empty words.
  • Tôi chán ngấy những lời nói đưa đà ấy rồi. (I'm fed up with those empty sweet words.)

1. Say with a smooth tongue
   • Đưa đà vài câu chứ chẳng thực tâm
     To say a few words with a smooth tongue actually out of insincerity