cười — meaning in English: laugh

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Guess the translation for laugh

truyền thống

cười

yên bình

không sao

nghĩa vụ

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Vietnamese speakers use the word 'cười' during social gatherings, family celebrations, or even casual conversations. For example, when telling a funny story at a friend's birthday party, someone might say, 'Mọi người đều cười' (Everyone was laughing).

Synonyms & nuances

'Cười' is often compared to 'phì cười', which means to chuckle or laugh lightly. While 'cười' is a general term for laughing, 'phì cười' implies a softer, more understated laugh, often used in scenarios where a person finds something amusing but not overwhelmingly so.

Culture

'Cười' has deep roots in Vietnamese culture, reflecting the emphasis on joy and community. Interestingly, laughter is often associated with hospitality and friendliness in Vietnam; it's not just a reaction but a way to connect with others. The way people express laughter can also vary, with unique sounds like 'hahaha' that might differ from the English 'haha'.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'cười'?

'Cười' is pronounced like 'koo-ee', with a rising tone on the 'cười'. The tone is essential in Vietnamese as it can change the meaning of the word entirely.

Q.When should I use 'cười' in a sentence?

'Cười' can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone laughing or expressing joy. For instance, you might say, 'Tôi cười khi nghe câu chuyện đó' (I laughed when I heard that story).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'cười'?

One common mistake is to forget the tonal pronunciation, which can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'cười' with 'cười lớn' (to laugh loudly) when they mean to refer to a simple laugh.

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Vietnamese Vocabulary