Significado
Describing someone who is very fearful.
Contexto cultural
In Vietnam, the rabbit is often associated with the moon (Thỏ Ngọc), but in idioms, it is almost exclusively a symbol of timidity. This contrasts with the 'clever rabbit' tropes in Western fables like Br'er Rabbit. The variation 'nhát như cáy' is more common in rural areas with many rice paddies, as people see the 'cáy' crab's behavior daily. Young Vietnamese people use 'nhát' as a general term for being 'scared' to do anything, from texting a crush to trying a new fashion trend. Classic literature often uses animal metaphors to bypass direct insults, a trait of the 'văn hóa lúa nước' (water rice culture) which values harmony and indirectness.
Use 'đế' for emphasis
Adding 'đế' at the end (Nhát như thỏ đế) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch your tone
If you say this with a serious face to a stranger, it's an insult. Say it with a smile to a friend.
Significado
Describing someone who is very fearful.
Use 'đế' for emphasis
Adding 'đế' at the end (Nhát như thỏ đế) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch your tone
If you say this with a serious face to a stranger, it's an insult. Say it with a smile to a friend.
Animal comparisons
Vietnamese love animal comparisons. If you learn this one, try learning 'Khỏe như voi' (Strong as an elephant) next!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing animal to complete the idiom.
Anh ấy rất sợ ma, đúng là nhát như ___.
The idiom is 'nhát như thỏ' (timid as a rabbit).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a casual context?
Chọn câu đúng:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to encourage someone to overcome fear.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'nhát như thỏ'.
Situation: Your friend is afraid to speak to a waiter because they are shy.
The idiom fits because it addresses the friend's unnecessary fear/timidity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tối nay đi xem phim ma không? B: Không, tớ sợ lắm. A: ________
'Nhát như thỏ đế' is a common variation used to tease someone about being afraid of a movie.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Animal Metaphors
Fear
- • Nhát như thỏ
Strength
- • Khỏe như voi
Stupidity
- • Ngu như bò
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosAnh ấy rất sợ ma, đúng là nhát như ___.
The idiom is 'nhát như thỏ' (timid as a rabbit).
Chọn câu đúng:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to encourage someone to overcome fear.
Situation: Your friend is afraid to speak to a waiter because they are shy.
The idiom fits because it addresses the friend's unnecessary fear/timidity.
A: Tối nay đi xem phim ma không? B: Không, tớ sợ lắm. A: ________
'Nhát như thỏ đế' is a common variation used to tease someone about being afraid of a movie.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be. Between friends, it's teasing. To a superior or a stranger, it's disrespectful.
Yes! 'Tớ nhát như thỏ ấy' is a common way to humbly admit you are scared of something.
It's a folk term for a small, very skittish wild rabbit found in Vietnam.
Not with a rabbit. For bravery, we say 'Gan dạ' or 'Dũng cảm'.
No, it is too informal for professional writing.
No, it applies to anyone regardless of gender.
Very similar, but 'chicken' is often more of a dare/insult, while 'rabbit' is more of a description of nature.
It uses the 'hỏi' tone. Imagine your voice going down then up quickly, like a hook.
No, that's not a standard idiom in Vietnamese.
Yes, many V-pop songs use it to describe a shy lover.
Frases relacionadas
Nhát như cáy
synonymAs timid as a small crab.
Nhát gan
similarCowardly (timid liver).
Nhút nhát
similarShy/Introverted.
Gan lì
contrastBrave/Stubbornly courageous.
Cáo già
specialized formOld fox (cunning).
