Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To utter words; to speak out; to let words out: Refers to the act of speaking, often implying a deliberate, sometimes careless or unrestrained, release of words into conversation.
   • To make a remark; to voice (an opinion, a comment): Specifically denotes the action of expressing a verbal statement, which can range from casual to significant.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy buông lời xin lỗi trước mọi người. (He uttered an apology in front of everyone.)
  • Đừng vội buông lời khi chưa suy nghĩ kỹ. (Don't be quick to speak out without careful thought.)
  • Cô ấy chỉ buông lời chào rồi đi thẳng. (She merely voiced a greeting and then walked straight past.)

Advanced Usage

• "buông lời trách móc": to utter words of blame/reproach.

  • Cô ấy buông lời trách móc anh vì đã đến muộn. (She uttered words of reproach at him for being late.)

• "buông lời hứa": to give one's word; to make a promise.

  • Anh ấy đã buông lời hứa sẽ giúp đỡ chúng tôi. (He gave his word that he would help us.)

• "buông lời cay nghiệt": to speak harsh/cruel words.

  • Trong cơn giận, anh ta đã buông lời cay nghiệt. (In his anger, he spoke harsh words.)

Variants and Related Words

• Buông (verb): to let go; to release; to drop. This is the core verb implying a release.
• Lời (noun): word; speech; statement.
• Thốt lời (verb phrase): to utter words (similar meaning, often more formal/literary).
• Cất lời (verb phrase): to raise one's voice to speak; to begin to speak.

Synonyms

• Nói ra: to say out loud.
• Thốt ra: to utter.
• Phát ngôn: to make a statement (more formal).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: As a verb phrase itself, 'buông lời' functions similarly to a phrasal verb. - Buông ra: to let go; to release (can be used with objects, not just words). - Buông tay ra! (Let go of my hand!)

Related Idioms

• "Buông lời như đá": (To speak words like throwing stones) - To speak harshly, bluntly, or without regard for others' feelings.

  • Anh ta nổi tiếng là người hay buông lời như đá. (He is known as someone who often speaks bluntly/harshly.)

• "Buông lời ong bướm": (To utter butterfly/bee words) - To speak flirtatiously or sweetly.

  • Chàng trai trẻ buông lời ong bướm làm cô gái đỏ mặt. (The young man spoke flirtatiously, making the girl blush.)