Definition

1. Verb:
   • To gape: To open one's mouth wide, often involuntarily, due to surprise, awe, or a lack of attentiveness. It implies a vacant or foolish expression.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nó ngồi hếch mồm ra nhìn lên trời. (He sat gaping up at the sky.)
  • Đừng có hếch mồm ra như thế, trông ngốc lắm. (Don't just stand there gaping like that; you look very foolish.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "hếch mồm" often carries a negative connotation, describing someone who is inattentive, slow to react, or looks foolish with their mouth hanging open.

Variants and Related Words

• Há hốc mồm (v): To have one's mouth agape in astonishment or shock. This phrase is more commonly used than "hếch mồm" and emphasizes a stronger reaction of surprise.
  • Mọi người đều há hốc mồm khi nghe tin. (Everyone's mouth was agape when they heard the news.)

Synonyms

• Gape: To stare with one's mouth open.
• Gawk: To stare openly and stupidly.

Related Idioms

• Ngẩn người hếch mồm: To be dumbfounded and gaping; to be completely stunned.
  • Cậu ta đứng ngẩn người hếch mồm khi biết kết quả. (He stood there dumbfounded and gaping when he learned the result.)

verb

1. to gape