Definition

Verb phrase: - To talk sense; to speak reasonably/correctly: To express an opinion or statement that is logical, correct, or appropriate to the situation. It implies the speaker's words are right and should be heeded.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy nói phải đấy, chúng ta nên nghe theo. (He is talking sense, we should listen.)
  • Cô giáo luôn nói phải nên được cả lớp kính trọng. (The teacher always speaks reasonably, so she is respected by the whole class.)
  • Tôi thấy bạn nói phải, chúng ta cần một kế hoạch tốt hơn. (I think you are right, we need a better plan.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nghe ra mới thấy nói phải": A saying meaning "Upon reflection, one realizes it was sensible advice." It highlights that the correctness of the statement becomes clear after consideration.
  • Lúc đầu tôi không đồng ý, nhưng giờ nghe ra mới thấy nói phải. (At first I disagreed, but now upon reflection, I see it was sensible advice.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nói đúng (Verb phrase): To say something correct or accurate. It is a close synonym, often interchangeable with "nói phải," though "nói phải" can carry a stronger connotation of wisdom or reasonableness.
• Nói có lý (Verb phrase): To speak with reason; to make a reasonable point.
• Phải (Adjective): Right, correct. This is the core adjective within the phrase.

Synonyms

• Nói đúng: To say correctly.
• Nói có lý: To speak reasonably.
• Nói trúng (colloquial): To hit the mark (with words); to say something very accurate.

Related Idioms

• "Phải như đinh đóng cột": An idiom meaning "as solid as a nailed post," used to emphasize that something is unquestionably right or certain. It can describe a statement that is "nói phải."
  • Lời khuyên của ông ấy phải như đinh đóng cột. (His advice is absolutely correct/right as rain.)

1. Talk sense