TheVietnameseword "dỗ" is a verbthatmeans "tocoax," "tosoothe," or "tocomfort." It is oftenusedwhentryingtocalmsomeonedown, especially a child, or tomakesomeonefeelbetter in distressing situations.
Usage Instructions:
"Dỗ" is commonlyusedwhenyouwanttocomfortsomeonewho is upset or crying.
It can also be used in a broadersensetomeanencouraging or reassuringsomeone in a gentleway.
Examples:
BasicUsage:
"Dỗđứa béđangkhóc."
Thismeansyouaretryingtocalm a babywho is crying, perhaps by holdingthem or singingtothem.
DifferentContext:
"Dỗchiếuchosạchbụi."
In thiscase, "dỗ" meanstoshake or beatsomethingtoremovedust, showingthattheword can alsoimply a physicalaction of cleaning.
AdvancedUsage:
"Dỗ" can also be used in a metaphoricalsense, such as comfortingsomeonewho is feelingdown emotionally. Forexample, youmight say, "Tôisẽdỗbạn khi bạnbuồn," whichmeans "I willcomfortyouwhenyouaresad."
Word Variants:
Dỗ dành: Thisphrase is oftenusedtomean "topamper" or "tocoddle." Forexample, "Mẹdỗ dành con" translatesto"Motherpampersthechild."
Dỗ ngọt: Thismeans "tosweet-talk" someone, oftenused in contextswheresomeone is tryingtopersuade or coaxanotherpersongently.
Different Meanings:
While "dỗ" primarilyreferstocomforting or soothing, it can alsomeantoshake or cleansomething, as shown in theexampleaboutshaking a mat.
Synonyms:
An ủi: Thismeans "toconsole" or "tocomfort," similar in meaningto "dỗ" buttypicallyused in moreseriousemotional contexts.
Khuyên bảo: Thismeans "toadvise" or "tocounsel," which can alsoinvolvesoothingsomeonebut is moreaboutproviding guidance.