Definition

1. Adjective phrase:
   • Of few words; taciturn; laconic: Describes a person who speaks very little, is not talkative, or uses words sparingly. It emphasizes a habitual characteristic of being reserved in speech.

Usage Examples

• Adjective phrase: (He is a man of very few words.) (She is a person of few words but thinks deeply.) (During the meeting, he appeared very taciturn.)

Advanced Usage

• "ít nói ít lời": An intensified phrase meaning extremely quiet or reticent. (The old man lives alone and has become very quiet and reserved.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trầm lặng (adj): Quiet, calm, serene. This word describes a quiet demeanor but can relate more to a calm personality rather than specifically a lack of speech.
• Ít nói (adj): Not talkative, quiet. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "ít lời."
• Lầm lì (adj): Sullen, morose, silent in a way that suggests gloom or stubbornness. This has a more negative connotation than "ít lời."

Synonyms

• Taciturn: Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
• Laconic: Using very few words; brief and to the point.
• Reticent: Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved.
• Quiet: Making little or no noise; (of a person) tranquil and reserved.

Related Idioms

• "Im như hến": (To be) as silent as a clam; meaning completely silent or saying nothing at all. (When asked, he just sat there, silent as a clam.)
• "Câm như hến": (To be) as mute as a clam; meaning utterly mute or refusing to speak. This is stronger and can imply an inability or refusal to speak.

1. Of few words
   • Anh ta ít lời lắm.
     He is a man of very few words