mạnh miệng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Outspoken; bold in speech: Describes a person who speaks their mind directly, forcefully, or without hesitation, often expressing strong or controversial opinions.
- To make a bold claim or boast: Refers to speaking in an overly confident, assertive, or boastful manner, sometimes beyond what one can actually deliver.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy rất mạnh miệng khi phê bình chính sách mới. (She was very outspoken in criticizing the new policy.)
- Đừng có mạnh miệng hứa rồi lại không làm được. (Don't be so bold as to make promises you can't keep.)
- Anh ấy mạnh miệng tuyên bố sẽ thắng cuộc thi. (He boldly declared he would win the competition.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a slightly critical or cautionary nuance, implying that the bold speech might be rash, imprudent, or not fully backed by action or reality.
- It can be used in both positive contexts (admiring someone's courage to speak up) and negative contexts (criticizing someone for being boastful or tactless).
Variants and Related Words
- Nói mạnh (v): To speak strongly or forcefully.
- Ông ấy nói mạnh về tầm quan trọng của giáo dục. (He spoke strongly about the importance of education.)
Synonyms
- Outspoken: Frank in stating one's opinions.
- Assertive: Having a confident and forceful personality.
- Boastful: Showing excessive pride in oneself.
- Bold: Confident and courageous in taking risks, especially in speech.
Related Idioms
- Mạnh mồm mạnh miệng: An intensified form meaning very outspoken or overly talkative in a bold, often annoying way.
- Đứa trẻ đó mạnh mồm mạnh miệng quá. (That child is far too mouthy and bold.)