Definition

1. Verb:
   • To interrupt / to butt in: The primary meaning of "nói leo" is to speak out of turn, especially by interrupting a conversation, particularly when a person of lower status (like a child) speaks without permission to a person of higher status (like a parent or elder).
   • To chime in uninvited: It describes the act of interjecting a comment or opinion when one is not being addressed or when it is not one's place to speak.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Con không được nói leo khi người lớn đang trò chuyện. (You must not interrupt when adults are talking.)
  • Cậu bé hay nói leo trong giờ học. (The boy often butts in during class.)
  • Cô ấy nói leo vào cuộc thảo luận của chúng tôi. (She chimed in uninvited to our discussion.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, implying a breach of social etiquette or hierarchy. It is frequently used to correct children's behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Cắt ngang / Ngắt lời (v): to interrupt, to cut someone off. These are more general, neutral terms for interruption, while "nói leo" specifically implies impropriety.
  • Xin lỗi vì đã cắt ngang bạn. (Sorry for interrupting you.)

Synonyms

• To interrupt: To stop a person who is speaking by saying or doing something.
• To butt in: To interrupt a conversation or activity impolitely.
• To speak out of turn: To speak at an inappropriate time.

Related Idioms

• While "nói leo" itself is the common idiom, a related concept is:
  • Nhảy vào họng người khác: (lit. to jump into someone else's throat) - a vivid idiom for interrupting someone harshly.

    • Đừng có nhảy vào họng tôi như thế! (Don't interrupt me so rudely like that!)