Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To speak furtively / to talk secretly: The phrase "nói vụng" refers to the act of speaking to someone in a hushed, secretive, or stealthy manner, typically to share private information without others noticing or overhearing.
   • To whisper privately: It implies a conversation held in a low voice, often with an element of confidentiality or conspiracy.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Hai đứa trẻ đang nói vụng với nhau ở góc lớp. (The two children are whispering secretly to each other in the corner of the classroom.)
  • Đừng nói vụng sau lưng người khác. (Don't talk furtively behind someone else's back.)
  • Họ ngồi nói vụng về kế hoạch bất ngờ. (They sat whispering privately about the surprise plan.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the conversation is meant to be hidden because it might contain gossip, a secret, or a plot.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói lén (verb phrase): to talk stealthily, to speak behind someone's back. This is a very close synonym.

  • Cô ấy không thích người khác nói lén về mình. (She doesn't like others talking stealthily about her.)

• Thì thầm (verb): to whisper. This is a more neutral term for speaking very softly.

  • Họ thì thầm để không đánh thức em bé. (They whispered so as not to wake the baby.)

Synonyms

• To whisper secretly
• To talk furtively
• To converse in hushed tones

Related Idioms

• Nói vụng không qua được tường: Literally "secret talk cannot pass through a wall," similar to "walls have ears," meaning secret conversations can be overheard.
  • Cẩn thận, nói vụng không qua được tường đâu. (Be careful, walls have ears.)