Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Voiceless / Aphonic: The primary meaning of "mất tiếng" is to lose one's voice, resulting in an inability to speak or speak only in a whisper. It describes a state of aphonia, typically due to illness, overuse, or strain of the vocal cords.
   • To become voiceless: It can also figuratively describe losing the ability to express oneself or losing influence in a discussion.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy bị cảm nặng nên đã mất tiếng. (She had a bad cold and lost her voice.)
  • Sau buổi biểu diễn, ca sĩ bị mất tiếng. (After the concert, the singer lost her voice.)
  • Trước đám đông, tôi gần như mất tiếng vì lo lắng. (In front of the crowd, I was almost voiceless due to nervousness.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in medical or common health contexts to describe a specific symptom (laryngitis, vocal strain) rather than a permanent condition.

Variants and Related Words

• Khàn tiếng (adj): to be hoarse, to have a raspy voice. This is different from "mất tiếng" as it implies reduced or strained voice, not complete loss.
  • Anh ấy bị khàn tiếng sau khi hò hét. (He was hoarse after shouting.)

Synonyms

• Aphonic: (medical term) lacking voice.
• Voiceless: having no voice; unable to speak.

Related Idioms

• While "mất tiếng" itself is not typically part of a broader idiom, the concept relates to expressions of being silenced or unable to argue.
  • Mất tiếng nói: to lose one's say or influence (more figurative and political).

    • Người dân không nên mất tiếng nói trong vấn đề này. (The people should not lose their voice on this issue.)