thoải mái
In Vietnamese, comfort is expressed as thoải mái.
While the English word 'comfort' can be a noun, thoải mái is most commonly used as an adjective meaning 'comfortable'. In spoken Vietnamese, it is also used colloquially as an adverbial phrase to tell someone to 'feel free' or 'don't hesitate' to do something.
Meaning: cause of relief or satisfaction (noun)
Which one should you use?
thoải mái refers to a state of being relaxed or free from constraint. In contrast, the word dễ chịu is used to describe sensations that are physically pleasant, such as a nice breeze or a soft fabric.
How does it change in a sentence?
thoải mái functions primarily as an adjective meaning 'comfortable'.
Did you know?
- The word mái within thoải mái is a linguistic relative of the word mẹ, meaning 'mother', both descending from the same Proto-Austroasiatic root.
- Depending on the tone and context, thoải mái can be used sarcastically to describe someone who is being overly relaxed or lazy.
- The word mái in thoải mái can also mean 'female' when describing animals, such as a hen.
Examples in context
- Sự ấm áp của cái ôm mang đến sự thoải mái và an toàn.The warmth of a hug brings comfort and security.This sentence shows how thoải mái can be used to describe the feeling of comfort provided by a hug.Tatoeba #13657145 by leucammieuvu, translation #13656080 by carlosalberto
- Xin đừng buồn, tôi muốn an ủi anh/chị.Please don't be sad, I want to comfort you.
- Chiếc ghế này mang lại cảm giác thoải mái.This chair brings a sense of comfort.
Example conversation
Hung and Huong are relaxing in a new living room.
- HùngHương thấy chiếc sofa này thế nào?Huong, what do you think of this sofa?
- HươngNó mang lại sự thoải mái cho em.It brings me comfort.
- HùngAnh cũng cảm thấy vậy.I feel the same way.
- HươngChúng ta nên mua nó.We should buy it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mái, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
