Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be forced into silence; to be shut up: To be compelled to stop speaking, arguing, or protesting, typically because one has been proven wrong, defeated in an argument, or intimidated.
   • To be speechless; to have nothing to say: To be left without a retort or defense.

2. Imperative verb (command):

   • Shut up!; Be quiet!: A rude, forceful, and vulgar command ordering someone to stop talking immediately. It is used by someone in a position of authority or anger towards a subordinate.

Usage Examples

• Verb (intransitive):

  • Bị bắt quả tang, nó đành câm họng. (Caught red-handed, he was forced to shut up.)
  • Lý lẽ của cô ấy rất thuyết phục, làm đối thủ câm họng. (Her reasoning was very persuasive, leaving her opponent speechless.)

• Imperative verb (command):

  • Câm họng! Không được nói nữa! (Shut up! Don't say another word!)
  • Nó quát: "Câm họng lại ngay!" (He yelled: "Shut your mouth right now!")

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in contexts of conflict, argument, or establishing dominance. It carries a strong connotation of humiliation for the person being silenced.
• "Làm cho câm họng": to silence someone, to reduce someone to silence. This transitive construction focuses on the action of causing the silence.
  • Sự thật đã làm cho hắn câm họng. (The truth silenced him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Câm miệng (v): A synonymous, equally rude imperative meaning "shut your mouth."
• Im miệng (v): A less vulgar but still forceful command meaning "be quiet."

Synonyms

• Be silenced: To be made to stop speaking.
• Be speechless: To be unable to speak, especially due to shock or lack of a counterargument.
• Shut up: A direct, impolite command to stop talking (imperative form).

Related Idioms

• Câm như hến: To be as silent as a clam; to be completely mute or unwilling to speak.
  • Sau khi bị phê bình, anh ta ngồi câm như hến. (After being criticized, he sat there as silent as a clam.)

1. Be silent
   • Làm cho câm họng
     To silence, to reduce to silence