ép lòng

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The Vietnamese word "ép lòng" can be translated to English as "to constrain oneself" or "to suppress one's feelings." It refers to the act of holding back emotions, desires, or personal preferences, often for the sake of others or a specific situation.

Usage Instructions:

• "Ép lòng" is typically used when someone feels the need to control their emotions, especially when they want to remain calm or not show their true feelings in a particular situation.
• It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.

Examples:

1. In a Personal Context:

   • "Khi nghe tin buồn, tôi phải ép lòng không khóc trước mặt mọi người."
   • (When I heard the sad news, I had to constrain myself from crying in front of everyone.)

2. In a Professional Context:

   • "Trong cuộc họp, cô ấy đã ép lòng để không bày tỏ sự không đồng tình với ý kiến của sếp."
   • (During the meeting, she constrained herself not to express her disagreement with the boss's opinion.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Ép lòng" can also be used in more complex emotional situations, such as when someone feels torn between what they want and what they think is right. For example:
  • "Mặc dù rất muốn đi chơi, nhưng tôi phải ép lòng ở nhà để hoàn thành công việc."
  • (Although I really wanted to go out, I had to constrain myself at home to finish my work.)

Word Variants and Related Terms:

• Ép: This means "to force" or "to press," which is a key part of the phrase, indicating a sense of pressure.
• Lòng: This means "heart" or "feelings," referring to the emotional aspect of the act.

Different Meanings:

While "ép lòng" primarily means to suppress feelings, it can also imply self-discipline or self-control in various contexts, such as: - Resisting temptations (like food or leisure activities). - Withholding opinions in discussions or debates.

Synonyms:

• Kiềm chế: To restrain or hold back (often used in a broader sense).
• Kìm nén: To repress or suppress (often used for stronger emotional control).

Academic

verb

1. to constrain oneself