Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lie / to tell a lie: The primary meaning of "nói điêu" is to intentionally say something that is not true, to deceive someone with words.
   • To fib / to tell a tall tale: It can also refer to telling a less serious, often obvious or exaggerated untruth.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đừng nói điêu với tôi. (Don't lie to me.)
  • Nó chỉ đang nói điêu để khoe khoang thôi. (He's just fibbing to show off.)
  • Cô ấy bị phạt vì nói điêu. (She was punished for telling a lie.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a deliberate act of deception. The severity can range from a harmless fib to a malicious falsehood, depending on context.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói dối (v): This is the most common and direct synonym for "to lie."

  • Nói dối là xấu. (Lying is bad.)

• Bịa chuyện (v): to fabricate a story, to make something up.

  • Nó hoàn toàn đang bịa chuyện. (He is completely making it up.)

Synonyms

• Lie: to utter a false statement with intent to deceive.
• Fib: to tell a trivial or childish lie.
• Fabricate: to invent or concoct (a story, information).

Related Idioms

• Nói điêu nói khoác: to tell lies and brag; to engage in boasting and deception.
  • Anh ta suốt ngày nói điêu nói khoác, đừng tin. (He's always lying and bragging, don't believe him.)