nhún

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The Vietnamese word "nhún" has several meanings and usages that are helpful to understand as you learn the language.

Basic Meaning:

1. Crouch / Flex the Legs: "Nhún" often means to slightly bend your knees or crouch down. This is commonly done to prepare for an action like jumping.

   • Example: "Nhún chân để nhảy." (Crouch down to jump.)

2. Shrug: It can also mean to shrug your shoulders, which is a gesture often used to indicate that you don’t know something or are indifferent.

   • Example: "Cô ấy nhún vai khi được hỏi." (She shrugged when asked.)

3. Modesty in Speech: "Nhún" can be used in a context of modesty, particularly in how someone speaks or presents themselves.

   • Example: "Nói nhún" means to speak modestly or humbly.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "nhún" when you want to describe the action of bending your legs slightly or when someone is shrugging their shoulders.
• It can also be used metaphorically to describe a humble or modest way of speaking.

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "nhún" might be used in idiomatic expressions or in literature to convey deeper meanings about humility or the idea of preparing oneself for a challenge.

Word Variants:

• "Nhún nhảy": This phrase combines "nhún" with "nhảy" (jump), referring to the action of jumping or bouncing.
• "Nhún vai": Specifically refers to the action of shrugging the shoulders.

Different Meanings:

• While "nhún" primarily relates to physical actions, it can also symbolize attitudes or approaches, especially regarding humility or modesty in conversation.

Synonyms:

• For the physical action of crouching, you might find "cuộn" (to roll) or "bẻ" (to bend) as synonyms, but "nhún" is more specific to the action of bending slightly in preparation for jumping.
• For the shrugging action, "nhún vai" is the direct term, while expressions like "nghiêng vai" (to tilt the shoulder) can also be used in certain contexts.

Academic

1. Crouch, flex the legs
   • Nhún chân để nhảy
     To flex the legs in order to jump
2. Shrug (xem nhún vai).
3. Modest
   • Nói nhún
     To speak with modesty