The Vietnamese word "mảnh mai" is an adjective that means "slender" or "thin." It is often used to describe someone who has a slim and graceful appearance.
Usage Instructions:
"Mảnh mai" is typically used to describe people, especially girls or women, but it can also refer to objects that are slim or finely shaped.
You can use it in both casual and formal conversations.
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In a more advanced context, "mảnh mai" can be used metaphorically to describe things that are delicate or fragile, such as a "mảnh mai" flower or a "mảnh mai" piece of art, indicating that it has a refined and delicate quality.
Word Variants:
"Mảnh": This word means "piece" or "fragment," but in this context, it contributes to the meaning of being slender.
"Mai": While it can refer to a specific type of flower (the peach blossom), in "mảnh mai," it doesn’t have a standalone meaning but helps complete the adjective.
Different Meanings:
While "mảnh mai" primarily means slender, it can also convey a sense of elegance and gracefulness in appearance. It does not have a negative connotation, unlike some other words that describe thinness.
Synonyms:
"Thon thả": This also means slender or slim, often used in a similar context.
"Yểu điệu": This means graceful or delicate, which can imply a slender appearance as well.
Summary:
In summary, "mảnh mai" is a versatile adjective used to describe a slender appearance, often with a sense of elegance.