bán tín bán nghi
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: To be half-convinced and half-doubtful; to be in a state of uncertainty, not fully believing something but also not completely dismissing it.
Usage
This verb describes a psychological state of indecision regarding the truth or reliability of information, a person, or a situation. It implies a conflict between belief and skepticism.
Examples: * Anh ta lúc nào cũng bán tín bán nghi. (He is always doubtful / in two minds.) * Tôi vẫn bán tín bán nghi về tính xác thực của câu chuyện đó. (I am still half-convinced, half-doubtful about the authenticity of that story.) * Đừng bán tín bán nghi nữa, hãy đưa ra quyết định đi. (Stop being so indecisive; make a decision.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often describes a prolonged or habitual state of hesitation.
- It can be used to critique someone's lack of decisiveness or trust.
Variants and Related Words
- Hoài nghi (verb): To doubt, to suspect. (This is stronger and leans more towards disbelief than indecision.)
- Nghi ngờ (verb): To doubt, to be suspicious.
- Do dự (verb): To hesitate, to waver. (Focuses more on indecision in action rather than in belief.)
- Lưỡng lự (verb): To hesitate, to be irresolute.
Synonyms
- To be in two minds.
- To be skeptical but not entirely dismissive.
- To be undecided.
- To be of two minds.
Related Idioms
- Nửa tin nửa ngờ: This is a direct synonym and has the same meaning (half-believing, half-doubting). It is often used interchangeably with "bán tín bán nghi."
- Cô ấy nghe tin mà nửa tin nửa ngờ. (She heard the news but was half-convinced, half-doubtful.)
verb
- to remain undecided; to be doubtful