Definition

1. Verb:
   • To grumble, to complain in a low, indistinct, and often continuous manner: "bàu nhàu" describes the action of muttering complaints, typically in a sullen, discontented, or irritated tone, often under one's breath or not directly to someone.
   • To growl (figuratively): Used figuratively to describe speaking in a rough, low, and angry voice, similar to an animal's growl.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ông ấy luôn bàu nhàu về thời tiết. (He always grumbles about the weather.)
  • Cô ấy bàu nhàu một mình trong bếp. (She muttered to herself in the kitchen.)
  • Đừng có bàu nhàu nữa, hãy tập trung vào công việc đi. (Stop growling/complaining, focus on your work.)

Advanced Usage

• "vừa làm vừa bàu nhàu": to grumble while working.
  • Anh ta thường vừa dọn dẹp vừa bàu nhàu. (He often cleans while grumbling.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bảu nhảu (verb): A reduplicated form with a stronger, more emphatic sense, meaning to grumble or complain persistently and irritably.
  • Bà ấy bảu nhảu cả ngày không ngớt. (She grumbled and complained all day long.)

Synonyms

• Càu nhàu (verb): To grumble, to be peevish. (Very close in meaning and often used interchangeably).
• Lầm bầm (verb): To mumble, mutter (can be neutral or discontented).
• Phàn nàn (verb): To complain (more general and direct than "bàu nhàu").

Notes on Meaning

• "Bàu nhàu" implies a specific manner of complaining: it is often not meant to be clearly heard or addressed to a specific listener, conveying a sense of passive-aggressive irritation or habitual discontent.
• It is less about formally voicing a grievance and more about expressing annoyance through muttered words.

1. Grumble, growl