Definition

Verb: 1. To look at, to watch, to observe (often with hidden or negative intent): The primary meaning is to look at or watch something or someone, typically in a secretive, intrusive, or covetous manner, implying an ulterior motive. 2. To eye, to ogle, to have designs on: Can imply desiring something that belongs to someone else, often with the intention of taking it.

Usage

The verb dòm ngó is used to describe the act of looking at something with a sense of curiosity, suspicion, or ill intent. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the observer is planning something undesirable (like theft, intrusion, or taking advantage). It is not used for casual, neutral, or admiring observation.

Examples

• Đừng dòm ngó tài sản của người khác. (Don't eye/covet other people's property.)
• Có kẻ lạ đang dòm ngó vào nhà chúng tôi. (There's a stranger looking at/watching our house [suspiciously].)
• Hắn ta luôn dòm ngó chức vụ của sếp. (He is always eyeing/covering the boss's position.)

Advanced Usage

• Implication of Surveillance: The word often implies a sustained, watchful gaze with a purpose, closer to "to keep an eye on" in a negative sense.
  • Cảnh sát nghi ngờ bọn tội phạm đang dòm ngó ngân hàng. (The police suspect the criminals are watching/eyeing the bank.)
• Expressing Disapproval: Using dòm ngó instead of neutral words like nhìn (to look) or xem (to watch) immediately conveys the speaker's disapproval of the act of looking.
  • Nó cứ dòm ngó cái điện thoại mới của tôi. (He keeps eyeing/ogling my new phone [and I don't like it].)

Variants and Related Words

• Dòm (verb): A shorter, more colloquial form with a similar meaning of looking sneakily or prying. It can sometimes be used interchangeably with dòm ngó but is slightly less intense.
• Ngó (verb): Can mean "to glance" or "to look towards." On its own, it is more neutral, but in combination with dòm, it strengthens the negative connotation.
• Nhòm ngó (verb): A synonymous variant with identical meaning and usage.

Synonyms

• Nhìn trộm: To peek, to sneak a look (emphasizes secrecy).
• Theo dõi: To follow, to monitor (can be neutral or negative; dòm ngó implies a more hidden, malicious intent).
• Lén nhìn: To look stealthily.
• Thèm muốn (verb: to covet, to desire): While not a direct synonym for the act of looking, it captures the "desiring" aspect often implied by dòm ngó.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Dòm ngó dòm ngó: A reduplicated form used for emphasis, often in a warning or disapproving tone.
  • Dòm ngó dòm ngó cái gì? (What are you [always] looking at [like that]?)
• The concept is central to warnings like "Đừng có dòm ngó!" (Don't even think about it! / Don't you dare eye it!), which is a strong prohibition against coveting or interfering.

verb

1. to look at