Definition

Verb phrase: - To keep silent, to remain silent: To choose not to speak or make any sound, especially in response to a question or accusation. - To give no answer: To deliberately not reply or respond.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the deliberate action of staying completely quiet, often in a situation where speaking or responding is expected. It implies a conscious choice to withhold speech.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Khi bị chất vấn, anh ấy chỉ nín thinh. (When questioned, he just kept silent.)
  • Cô ấy nín thinh không nói một lời. (She remained silent, not saying a word.)
  • Tôi hỏi nhưng nó cứ nín thinh. (I asked, but it just gave no answer.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cứ nín thinh": To persistently keep silent.
  • Dù mọi người thúc giục, nó vẫn cứ nín thinh. (Even though everyone urged him, he persistently kept silent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Im lặng (verb): To be silent, to be quiet. (This is a more general term for silence, while often implies a refusal to answer.)
• Lặng thinh (verb): To fall silent, to become quiet. (Similar to , but can describe the act of becoming silent rather than the sustained state.)

Synonyms

• Làm thinh (verb phrase): To keep quiet, to say nothing. (Very close in meaning, often used interchangeably.)
• Im hơi lặng tiếng (idiom): To be completely silent, not making a peep.

Related Idioms

• Câm như hến: (To be) as silent as a clam; meaning to be utterly silent and unresponsive.
  • Suốt buổi họp, anh ta câm như hến. (Throughout the meeting, he was as silent as a clam.)

1. Keep silent, give no answer