khóc thầm

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The Vietnamese phrase "khóc thầm" translates to "cry silently" or "cry on the inside" in English. It describes a situation where someone is feeling deep sorrow or pain but does not express it outwardly. Instead of crying loudly or showing visible signs of distress, they keep their feelings to themselves, often masking their true emotions with a calm exterior.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: "khóc thầm" is often used in situations where someone is experiencing heartache, sadness, or disappointment but chooses not to show it. This can happen in various contexts like personal loss, emotional struggles, or even moments of joy that are bittersweet.
• Formality: The phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Example:

• Simple Sentence: "Cô ấy luôn khóc thầm khi nhớ đến người bạn đã mất."
  • Translation: "She always cries silently when she remembers her lost friend."

Advanced Usage:

In literature and poetry, "khóc thầm" can be used to convey deep emotional layers. For example, in the line "người ngoài cười nụ người trong khóc thầm" from Nguyễn Du, it illustrates the contrast between outward appearances and inner feelings. The outsider smiles, while the insider is suffering internally, highlighting the theme of hidden pain.

Word Variants:

• "Khóc" means "to cry."
• "Thầm" means "silently" or "secretly." Combining these gives the phrase "khóc thầm."

Different Meanings:

While "khóc thầm" primarily refers to silent crying, it can also suggest a sense of loneliness or isolation, as the person is keeping their emotions hidden from others.

Synonyms:

• Khóc lặng lẽ: This also means "to cry quietly" and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
• Khóc trong lòng: This means "crying inside," which conveys a similar sentiment of hidden sorrow.

Summary:

"Khóc thầm" is a poignant expression in Vietnamese that captures the essence of internal struggle and the complexity of human emotions.

Academic

1. Cry one's heart out.
   • "Người ngoài cười nụ người trong khóc thầm " (Nguyễn Du)
2. The outsider smiled a disc reet satisfied smile while the insider criesd her heart out