Definition

Adjective: - Slightly creepy/scary/unpleasant: Expresses a mild degree of the feeling described by the root adjective "ghê" (terrible, dreadful, creepy). It indicates a sensation that is unsettling, chilling, or causes a slight shudder, but not to an intense or extreme level. - A bit revolting/nauseating: Can describe a mild feeling of disgust or revulsion, often physical.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Gió lạnh, người thấy ghê ghê. (The wind is cold, making one feel a slight chill/shudder.)
  • Ăn của chua, ghê ghê cả răng. (Eating something sour makes one's teeth feel a bit on edge/set on edge.)
  • Nghe câu chuyện đó xong, tôi thấy ghê ghê. (After hearing that story, I felt a bit creeped out.)

Advanced Usage

• "ghê ghê" as a Reduplicative (Láy): This word is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the root adjective "ghê". In Vietnamese, reduplication often softens the meaning, indicating a lesser degree or a more subjective, sensory experience. "Ghê ghê" is more colloquial and descriptive than the stronger, standalone "ghê".
• Sensory Description: It is frequently used to describe immediate physical sensations (like cold, taste, touch) or instinctive emotional reactions.

Variants and Related Words

• Ghê (adj): Terrible, dreadful, awful, creepy, revolting. This is the root word with a stronger intensity.
  • Cảnh tượng thật ghê. (The scene is truly terrible.)
• Ghê sợ (adj/v): To fear, to be afraid of; dreadful.
  • Nó là một thứ đáng ghê sợ. (It is a dreadful thing.)
• Ghê tởm (adj): Disgusting, revolting, loathsome.
  • Hành động ghê tởm. (A disgusting action.)
• Ghê rợn (adj): Creepy, horrifying, causing a shudder of fear.
  • Âm thanh ghê rợn. (A creepy sound.)

Synonyms

• Rờn rợn: Creepy, causing a slight shiver (often from fear or cold).
• Sợ sợ: A little scared, apprehensive.
• Lạnh người: To feel a chill (often from fear or cold).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Nổi da gà / Sởn gai ốc: To have goosebumps (a stronger physical reaction than "ghê ghê").
  • Nghe xong tôi nổi da gà. (After listening, I got goosebumps.)
• Ớn lạnh: To feel a chill of fear or disgust.
  • Câu chuyện khiến tôi ớn lạnh. (The story gave me the chills.)

1. xem ghê (láy)