gờm
Definition
- Adjective:
- To be afraid of; scared of: The primary meaning of "gờm" is to feel fear or apprehension towards someone or something, often due to their perceived power, authority, or intimidating nature. It implies a sense of being daunted or wary.
- To be intimidated by: It conveys a feeling of being cowed or deterred by the presence or potential action of another.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Nó rất gờm anh trai mình. (He is very afraid of his older brother.)
- Bọn trẻ con trong xóm đều gờm ông ấy. (The children in the neighborhood are all scared of him.)
- Đối thủ đó đáng gờm. (That opponent is intimidating / one to be wary of.)
Advanced Usage
"đáng gờm": formidable, intimidating, worthy of fear or respect.
- Đội bóng kia có hàng thủ rất đáng gờm. (That football team has a very formidable defense.)
"không gờm": to not be afraid of, to not fear.
- Hắn ta không gờm bất kỳ ai. (He is not afraid of anyone.)
Variants and Related Words
- Gờm gờm (adj): somewhat afraid, wary.
- Nghe tiếng quát, nó đứng lại, mặt có vẻ gờm gờm. (Hearing the yell, he stopped, looking somewhat afraid.)
Synonyms
- Afraid of: feeling fear or anxiety about someone or something.
- Scared of: frightened of.
- Intimidated by: feeling frightened or overawed, especially in the presence of a perceived superior.
- Wary of: feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
Related Idioms
- Có gờm có góc: (literally: to have intimidation and edges) Used to describe someone who is formidable and commands respect or fear, often through a stern or imposing presence.
- Ông chủ mới có gờm có góc nên nhân viên làm việc nghiêm túc hơn. (The new boss is formidable and commanding, so the employees work more seriously.)
adj
-
to be afraid of; scared of
