thẹn

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The Vietnamese word "thẹn" is a verb that means "to feel ashamed" or "to feel shy." It is often used to describe the feeling of embarrassment in social situations or when someone is being complimented or praised unexpectedly.

Basic Usage

• Meaning: To feel ashamed or shy.
• Example: When someone gives you a compliment, you might feel "thẹn" because you didn't expect it.

Example Sentences

1. Tôi cảm thấy thẹn khi được khen. (I feel shy when I am complimented.)
2. Cô ấy rất thẹn khi nói chuyện với người mình thích. (She feels very shy when talking to the person she likes.)

Advanced Usage

In more complex situations, "thẹn" can also imply a deeper sense of shame or guilt, especially if someone has made a mistake or done something inappropriate.

Word Variants

• Thẹn thùng: This phrase emphasizes a stronger feeling of shyness or embarrassment.
  • Example: Cô ấy thẹn thùng khi gặp mặt lần đầu. (She felt very shy when meeting for the first time.)
• Thẹn thùng đỏ mặt: This expression means to feel so shy that you blush.
  • Example: Anh ấy thẹn thùng đỏ mặt khi bị mọi người chú ý. (He blushed with embarrassment when everyone noticed him.)

Different Meanings

While "thẹn" primarily refers to feeling ashamed or shy, it can also be used in a more light-hearted context, such as when someone is playfully shy or coy in a romantic situation.

Synonyms

• Ngại: This word also means to feel shy or hesitant but can imply a reluctance to engage in something.
• Xấu hổ: This means to feel ashamed or embarrassed about something, often used in a more serious context.

Summary

"Thẹn" is an important word in Vietnamese that captures feelings of shyness and shame. Whether you’re feeling embarrassed from a compliment or shy in a social situation, this word is very useful.

Academic

verb

1. to feet ashamed to feel shy