nói ngang
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To talk back / to argue obstinately: To speak in a contrary or contradictory manner, not to contribute constructively but to obstruct discussion by insisting on one's own opposing viewpoint.
- To be contrarian in speech: To habitually reply or argue against what someone else has said, often without good reason, simply to be oppositional.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Đừng có nói ngang khi người lớn đang bàn việc. (Don't talk back when the adults are discussing matters.)
- Mỗi lần thảo luận, anh ta chỉ thích nói ngang lại ý kiến của mọi người. (Every time we discuss, he just likes to argue obstinately against everyone's opinions.)
- Cô ấy không chịu lắng nghe, chỉ quen thói nói ngang. (She refuses to listen and is only accustomed to talking back.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often describes a disruptive communication style in group settings, where the goal is not to reach understanding but to derail or dominate the conversation through contradiction.
- It implies a lack of respect for the speaker or the discussion process itself.
Variants and Related Words
- Cãi ngang (v): To argue back stubbornly; to rebuttal obstinately. This is a close synonym with a stronger emphasis on quarreling.
- Đứa trẻ hay cãi ngang lời bố mẹ. (The child often argues back stubbornly against his parents' words.)
Synonyms
- To talk back: To reply defiantly or disrespectfully.
- To be contrarian: To oppose or reject popular opinion or suggestions.
- To contradict obstinately: To state the opposite of what someone has said in a stubborn manner.
Related Idioms
- Nói ngang nói ngửa: To talk back and forth obstinately; to have a heated, unproductive argument where both parties are being contrary.
- Hai người cứ nói ngang nói ngửa, chẳng giải quyết được vấn đề. (The two of them just kept arguing back and forth obstinately, solving nothing.)