đừa

Một người đàn ông đang đừa chiếc xe đạp của mình lên một con dốc nhỏ.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To nudge or push gently: To apply light physical pressure with a part of the body, typically to move something or someone slightly.
   • To iron or press lightly: To pass an iron over fabric with light pressure, often to smooth out minor wrinkles.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đừa nhẹ cái hộp sang một bên. (Gently nudge the box to the side.)
  • Chị ấy đừa qua lại tấm vải trước khi may. (She lightly ironed the fabric back and forth before sewing.)

Advanced Usage

• This verb describes a light, careful action. It is not used for strong pushing or vigorous ironing.

Variants and Related Words

• Đẩy (v): To push. This is a more general and often stronger action than "đừa."
• Là (v): To iron. This is the standard verb for ironing clothes, typically implying a more complete and thorough action than "đừa."

Synonyms

• Nudge: To push gently.
• Press lightly: To apply gentle pressure, especially with an iron.

Notes on Usage

• The word "đừa" is not very common in modern everyday Vietnamese. The more common verbs "đẩy" (to push) or "là" (to iron) are often used instead, depending on the context.
• When encountered, it almost always implies a gentle, careful, or tentative action.