Definition

Adjective: - Very fierce, very intense, fiery: Describes a situation, competition, or conflict that is extremely heated, intense, and full of passion or aggression. It often implies a high level of energy and contention. - (Of eyes) Flaming, blazing, fiery: Describes eyes that appear to be burning with strong emotion, such as anger, passion, or intense determination.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Những trận đánh nảy lửa. (Very fierce battles.)
  • Trận đấu bóng nảy lửa. (A very intense/fiery soccer match.)
  • Cuộc tranh luận trở nên nảy lửa. (The debate became very heated/fiery.)
  • Mắt nảy lửa. (Flaming/blazing eyes.)

Advanced Usage

• "nảy lửa" is primarily used in written language or formal speech to add dramatic emphasis. It is not typically used in casual, everyday conversation to describe minor disagreements.
• The word often carries a connotation of something being so intense it seems to spark or emit fire metaphorically.

Variants and Related Words

• Kịch liệt (adj): Fierce, intense, violent. A more common synonym for the intensity aspect of "nảy lửa".
• Ác liệt (adj): Fierce, furious, savage. Often used for brutal conflicts, similar to "nảy lửa" but with a stronger sense of brutality.
• Hừng hực (adj): Burning, blazing, glowing. Can describe fire, heat, or intense emotion (like anger or enthusiasm), sharing the "fire" metaphor.

Synonyms

• Dữ dội: Violent, fierce, severe.
• Mãnh liệt: Strong, powerful, intense (often for feelings or forces).
• Quyết liệt: Determined, resolute, fierce (in competition or struggle).

Related Idioms

• "Nóng như lửa đốt": (Hot as burning fire) - Used to describe a very urgent or anxious state. While not using "nảy lửa", it shares the "fire" imagery for intensity.
• "Mắt long sòng sọc" / "Mắt đỏ ngầu": (Eyes rolling wildly / Bloodshot red eyes) - Idioms describing angry, fierce eyes, similar to "mắt nảy lửa".

1. Very fierce
   • Những trận đánh nảy lửa
     Very fierce battles