Definition

1. Verb:
   • To question closely and persistently but gently: The act of asking repeated, probing questions in a soft, patient, and non-confrontational manner to elicit information, a confession, or a clear answer.

Usage Examples

• (Only after much gentle but persistent questioning did the little boy admit that he had skipped school to go play.)
• (The teacher gently but persistently questioned the student about the reason for not doing the homework.)
• (He had to question her gently and repeatedly before she would tell the truth.)

Advanced Usage

• The term implies a combination of persistence (asking again and again) and a mild, patient tone. It is often used in contexts where someone is reluctant to speak, and the questioner uses a soft approach to overcome that reluctance.
• It describes a specific questioning technique, contrasting with harsh interrogation or a single, casual question.

Variants and Related Words

• Gạn hỏi (v): A less common variant with the same meaning as .
  • Gạn hỏi mãi, cuối cùng nó cũng chịu nói. (After gentle and persistent questioning, he finally agreed to talk.)

Synonyms

• To probe gently: To investigate or ask questions carefully and tactfully.
• To press softly: To insist on an answer in a mild manner.
• To question patiently and persistently.

Related Idioms

• While itself is a specific verb phrase, it relates to the concept of "gạn đục khơi trong" (to filter the murky to find the clear), which metaphorically means to sift through confusion to find the truth. is the verbal action of performing such a sifting through patient questioning.

1. Questions closed but gently
   • Hỏi gạn mãi thằng bé nó mới thú nhận đã bỏ học đi chơi
2. Only after many close and gentle questionns did the little boy admitted that he had played truant