nhút nhát
[ɲut̚˧˦ ɲaːt̚˧˦]
The English word shy is translated into Vietnamese as nhút nhát.
nhút nhát is an adjective used to describe someone who is reserved.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
Did you know?
- The word nhát can be used in the phrase nhát gan, which literally means 'shy liver' but translates to 'cowardly'.
- In Vietnamese culture, being nhút nhát in children is sometimes viewed more positively as a sign of politeness and modesty than in Western cultures.
- The word nhút nhát actually shares a common root with the word for a 'moment' or a 'slice' of time, which is lát.
Examples in context
- Tom là một người nhút nhát.Tom is a shy person.This sentence shows how to use nhút nhát to describe a person.Tatoeba #13249650 by leucammieuvu, translation #12817006 by CK
- Em học sinh nhút nhát lẩm bẩm ra câu trả lời.The shy pupil murmured his answer.This sentence shows how nhút nhát can describe a student.Tatoeba #337928 by ipridian, translation #44655 by sundown
- Anh ấy rất ngại khi được khen ngợi.He is very shy when praised.
- Anh ta thể hiện sự khiêm tốn và nhút nhát trong cuộc sống hàng ngày.He demonstrates humility and shyness in everyday life.
- Em cảm thấy mắc cỡ khi phải nói chuyện trước đám đông.I feel shy when speaking in front of a crowd.
- Đừng nhút nhát thế, hãy nói đi.Don't be so shy, please speak up.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about a new team member in the office.
- ChiAnh ấy có vẻ nhút nhát nhỉ?He seems a bit shy, doesn't he?
- TuấnĐúng vậy, anh ấy hơi nhút nhát.That's right, he is a little shy.
- ChiChị ấy nói anh ấy rất thân thiện.She said he is very friendly.
- TuấnChắc là do anh ấy mới đến.It's probably because he just arrived.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nhút nhát, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nhát, nhút nhát, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
