Definition

1. Phrase (Interrogative):

   • To say what? / What is said?: A direct interrogative phrase used to ask for the content or nature of speech, often expressing surprise, disbelief, or a request for repetition or clarification.
   • What are you talking about?: Used rhetorically to challenge, dismiss, or express strong disagreement with what has just been said.

2. Phrase (Rhetorical / Exclamatory):

   • To say nothing of / Let alone: Used to introduce a stronger or more obvious point following a previous statement, meaning the first point is so true that the second is even more certainly true. This usage often follows a negative statement.

Usage Examples

• Interrogative:

  • Cậu vừa nói gì vậy? Tôi không nghe rõ. (What did you just say? I didn't hear clearly.)
  • Anh định nói gì với cô ấy? (What are you going to say to her?)
  • Nói gì? Làm sao có chuyện đó được! (What are you talking about? How could that happen!)

• Rhetorical / Exclamatory:

  • Tôi còn chẳng có tiền mua sách, nói gì đến máy tính mới. (I don't even have money to buy books, let alone a new computer.)
  • Anh ấy không biết bơi, nói gì đến lặn. (He doesn't know how to swim, to say nothing of diving.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in fixed comparative structures: "X còn chưa/không... nói gì đến Y" (If X is not even..., then certainly not Y). This emphasizes the impossibility or improbability of the second element (Y).

Variants and Related Words

• Nói gì thì nói: An idiomatic phrase meaning "no matter what is said" or "be that as it may," used to introduce a contrasting or overriding point.

  • Nói gì thì nói, anh ấy vẫn là một người bạn tốt. (Be that as it may, he is still a good friend.)

• Nói gì đâu: A colloquial phrase meaning "It's nothing to speak of" or "Don't mention it," often used as a humble response to thanks or praise.

  • A: "Cảm ơn cậu đã giúp đỡ!" B: "Nói gì đâu." (A: "Thanks for your help!" B: "Don't mention it.")

Synonyms

• Interrogative: What?; What did you say?
• Rhetorical: Let alone; Not to mention; Much less.

Related Idioms

• Ăn không nên đọi, nói không nên lời: (To be unable to eat properly or speak properly). Used to describe a state of being so overwhelmed (by emotion, surprise, etc.) that one is at a loss for words or action.
  • Nghe tin đó, cô ấy ăn không nên đọi, nói không nên lời. (Hearing that news, she was utterly stunned and speechless.)