Definition

1. Verb:
   • To overhear (secretly): To listen to a conversation or information without the speaker's knowledge or permission, typically in a stealthy manner.
   • To learn (furtively): To acquire knowledge or a skill by observing or listening to someone else informally and discreetly, not through direct teaching.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nó nghe lỏm được kế hoạch của đối thủ. (He overheard the opponent's plan.)
  • Cậu bé học lỏm cách chơi guitar bằng cách xem video. (The boy learned how to play guitar furtively by watching videos.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "lỏm" often implies the action is done stealthily or on the sly. It carries a nuance of acquiring something (information, a skill) through indirect, unofficial, or covert means.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghe lỏm (verb phrase): to eavesdrop, to overhear secretly.

  • Cô ấy nghe lỏm cuộc nói chuyện qua cửa. (She eavesdropped on the conversation through the door.)

• Học lỏm (verb phrase): to pick up (a skill/knowledge) informally or by observation.

  • Tôi học lỏm được vài từ tiếng Pháp khi ở Paris. (I picked up a few French words while in Paris.)

Synonyms

• To eavesdrop: To listen secretly to a private conversation.
• To overhear: To hear something without the speaker intending you to hear it.
• To pick up: To learn something informally or without focused study.

Related Idioms

• Tai nghe lỏm: Having ears that easily overhear things; being prone to eavesdropping.
  • Đứa trẻ có tai nghe lỏm, gì cũng biết. (The child has sharp ears that overhear everything, so they know it all.)