Definition

1. Verb:
   • To croon, to hum, to recite softly: The primary meaning of "ngâm nga" is to vocalize a piece of poetry, a song, or a tune in a soft, drawn-out, and often melodious manner, typically for personal enjoyment, reflection, or to savor the rhythm and meaning of the words. It implies a gentle, often absent-minded or contemplative vocalization.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ông cụ ngâm nga mấy câu thơ cũ. (The old man crooned a few lines of old poetry.)
  • Cô ấy vừa làm việc vừa ngâm nga giai điệu bài hát. (She hummed the melody of the song while working.)
  • Anh ấy thích ngâm nga những bài thơ của mình. (He likes to recite his poems softly.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngâm nga ngâm ngẩm": This reduplicative phrase emphasizes a state of being deeply engrossed in soft, contemplative recitation or humming, often to oneself.
  • Suốt buổi chiều, bà cứ ngâm nga ngâm ngẩm một mình. (All afternoon, she kept humming and crooning to herself.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngâm (v): To recite poetry in a traditional, formal, and often melancholic or drawn-out style. This is more formal and performance-oriented than "ngâm nga."
  • Nghệ sĩ ngâm bài "Truyện Kiều." (The artist recites "The Tale of Kieu.")
• Hát (v): To sing. This is the general term for singing and is more direct and performative than the reflective "ngâm nga."

Synonyms

• Croon: To sing or hum in a soft, low voice.
• Hum: To sing with closed lips, without articulating words.
• Recite softly: To say a poem or text aloud quietly and rhythmically.

Related Idioms

• Ngâm nga như hát ví: To recite or hum in a very drawn-out, sing-song manner, similar to a folk singing style. This idiom highlights the melodic and prolonged nature of the action.
  • Ông ấy đọc thơ ngâm nga như hát ví. (He reads poetry, crooning it like a folk song.)

verb

1. to croon