Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Dumbfounded, stunned, bewildered: Describes a state where someone is so surprised, shocked, or confused that they are momentarily speechless and their face shows a blank, dazed, or foolish expression. It implies being at a loss for words or thoughts.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy nghe tin mà ngẩn mặt ra, không nói được lời nào. (He heard the news and was dumbfounded, unable to say a word.)
  • Cô bé ngẩn mặt nhìn món quà bất ngờ. (The little girl looked at the unexpected gift in stunned silence.)
  • Câu hỏi khó khiến cả lớp ngẩn mặt. (The difficult question made the whole class sit there bewildered.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies the reaction is visible on the person's face ("mặt" means face). It describes a temporary state of mental paralysis due to surprise or confusion.
• It can be used with verbs like "ngồi" (to sit), "đứng" (to stand), or "nhìn" (to look) to paint a clearer picture of the stunned state.
  • Ngồi ngẩn mặt vì thất vọng. (To sit dazed from disappointment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngẩn (adj): The root word, meaning stunned, dazed, or foolish. "Ngẩn mặt" is a more vivid, idiomatic form emphasizing the facial expression.
  • Anh ta đứng ngẩn một lúc lâu. (He stood dazed for a long while.)
• Sững sờ (adj): Astonished, astounded. A stronger synonym often used for positive or negative major shocks.
• Bàng hoàng (adj): Stunned, horrified, dismayed. Often used for negative, traumatic shocks.

Synonyms

• Sửng sốt: To be amazed, astounded.
• Kinh ngạc: To be astonished.
• Đờ người ra: To be stupefied (lit. to become dull/person/out).

Related Phrases

• Ngẩn ngơ (adj): Similar to "ngẩn," but can also imply being distracted, absent-minded, or in a daze, often due to longing or pensiveness, not just shock.
  • Cô ấy ngẩn ngơ nhớ về quá khứ. (She was distractedly reminiscing about the past.)

Related Idioms

• While "ngẩn mặt" itself is idiomatic, it is related to expressions describing shock:
  • Há hốc mồm: To be open-mouthed (with astonishment).
  • Đứng hình: To freeze (like a statue), to be stunned motionless.

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