Definition

1. Verb:

   • To suggest: To put forward an idea, plan, or possibility for consideration. This is the most common and direct meaning.
   • To hint / To imply: To indicate or convey an idea indirectly, without stating it explicitly.

2. Noun:

   • A suggestion: An idea or plan that is put forward for consideration.
   • A hint / A clue: A slight or indirect indication or piece of advice.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Cô ấy gợi ý chúng tôi nên đi ăn tối. (She suggested we go for dinner.)
  • Anh ấy gợi ý về một sự thay đổi sắp tới. (He hinted at an upcoming change.)

• Noun:

  • Tôi cần một gợi ý cho món quà sinh nhật. (I need a suggestion for a birthday gift.)
  • Câu đố này có một gợi ý rất khó. (This riddle has a very difficult clue.)

Advanced Usage

• "gợi ý nhẹ nhàng": to gently suggest or hint.

  • Giáo viên gợi ý nhẹ nhàng rằng học sinh nên học bài kỹ hơn. (The teacher gently suggested that the students should study more carefully.)

• Used in instructional or digital contexts to mean "prompt".

  • Phần mềm đưa ra một gợi ý để bạn tiếp tục công việc. (The software provides a prompt for you to continue your work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sự gợi ý (n): The act of suggesting; suggestion.

  • Sự gợi ý của anh ấy rất hữu ích. (His suggestion was very helpful.)

• Gợi mở (v): To inspire or open up (ideas, discussions). It has a broader sense of initiating thought.

  • Bài giảng gợi mở nhiều ý tưởng mới. (The lecture inspired many new ideas.)

Synonyms

• Suggest: To propose an idea.
• Hint: To indicate indirectly.
• Propose: To put forward a plan.
• Imply: To strongly suggest without direct statement.

Related Idioms

• Gợi ý xa gần: To hint around; to drop hints from various angles without being direct.
  • Anh ta gợi ý xa gần về việc muốn được thăng chức. (He hinted around about wanting a promotion.)

1. Suggest