Signification
Describing someone who is very cowardly.
Contexte culturel
The 'thỏ đế' is a wild rabbit species. In Vietnam, rabbits are not as common as pets as they are in the West, so they are mostly seen as wild, skittish creatures. The idiom uses 'cỏ đế' (reeds), showing how Vietnamese language is built on observations of the natural rural environment. Teasing someone for being 'nhát' is a way to build rapport and encourage 'face' and bravery among peers. Unlike China, Vietnam's zodiac has the Cat instead of the Rabbit. This makes the rabbit a more 'wild' and 'unpredictable' symbol in idioms.
Use for teasing
This is best used when you want to be funny and lighthearted with friends.
Avoid with elders
It can be seen as a lack of respect if used toward someone much older than you.
Signification
Describing someone who is very cowardly.
Use for teasing
This is best used when you want to be funny and lighthearted with friends.
Avoid with elders
It can be seen as a lack of respect if used toward someone much older than you.
The 'Đế' factor
Remember that 'đế' makes it sound more authentic and native than just saying 'thỏ'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Anh ấy sợ con gián, thật là nhát như ___ ___.
The full, correct idiom is 'nhát như thỏ đế.'
Which situation is most appropriate for using 'nhát như thỏ đế'?
When should you use this phrase?
It is an informal idiom used for teasing friends about their fears.
Match the Vietnamese idiom with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Nhát như thỏ đế is the closest equivalent to 'scaredy-cat.'
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Tớ không dám đi vào nhà ma đâu! B: ________
This is the most natural idiomatic response to someone being afraid of a haunted house.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAnh ấy sợ con gián, thật là nhát như ___ ___.
The full, correct idiom is 'nhát như thỏ đế.'
When should you use this phrase?
It is an informal idiom used for teasing friends about their fears.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Nhát như thỏ đế is the closest equivalent to 'scaredy-cat.'
A: Tớ không dám đi vào nhà ma đâu! B: ________
This is the most natural idiomatic response to someone being afraid of a haunted house.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it refers to wild rabbits that live in reed beds in Vietnam.
Yes! It's a very common way to humbly or jokingly admit you are scared. 'Tớ nhát như thỏ đế ấy mà.'
It depends on the tone. Between friends, it's a tease. To a stranger, it's an insult.
They mean the same thing, but 'cáy' (crab) is more common in the North.
No, it is too informal and potentially offensive.
Yes, it is gender-neutral.
Vietnamese does use 'nhát như chuột ngày,' but 'thỏ đế' is much more common for general cowardice.
No, 'đế' is a noun referring to a type of grass.
You can say 'dũng cảm' or 'gan dạ.'
Yes, it appears in many pop songs and folk verses to describe timid lovers.
Expressions liées
Nhát như cáy
synonymScared like a small crab
Nhát gan
similarCowardly liver
Gan hùm
contrastLiver of a tiger
Thỏ đế
specialized formA coward (noun)
