Definition

Verb phrase (Cụm động từ): - To keep mum; to remain silent; to say nothing: To deliberately choose not to speak or reveal information, often in a context where speaking is expected or could cause trouble. This phrase carries a connotation of stubborn or absolute silence.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Khi cảnh sát hỏi, hắn chỉ biết ngậm câm. (When the police asked, he just kept mum.)
  • Biết mình sai nhưng nó vẫn ngậm câm không chịu nhận lỗi. (Knowing he was wrong, he still remained silent and refused to admit his mistake.)
  • Trong cuộc họp, anh ấy cứ ngậm câm từ đầu đến cuối. (During the meeting, he said nothing from start to finish.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase is considered informal and is often used in spoken Vietnamese. It can imply a negative judgment on the person who is silent, suggesting they are being uncooperative, scared, or deceitful by not speaking up.
• It is frequently used in imperative forms to command someone to be quiet.
  • Ngậm câm đi! (Shut up! / Keep your mouth shut!)

Variants and Related Words

• Im lặng (Verb/Adj): To be silent; silent. This is the standard, neutral term for silence.
• Câm miệng (Verb phrase): To shut up (very rude and direct command).
• Ngậm miệng (Verb phrase): To shut one's mouth (less rude than "câm miệng" but still a command).

Synonyms

• Giữ im lặng: To maintain silence.
• Không nói gì: To say nothing.
• Làm thinh: To keep quiet (often implies a temporary or thoughtful silence).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Ăn như rồng cuốn, nói như rồng leo, làm như mèo mửa: (Eats like a rolling dragon, speaks like a climbing dragon, works like a vomiting cat) – An idiom criticizing someone who is all talk (speaks grandly) but does poor work. It contrasts with "ngậm câm," which is about not speaking at all.
• Mồm kín, bụng bí: (Tight mouth, secretive belly) – Describes someone who is tight-lipped and keeps secrets, similar to the idea behind "ngậm câm" but more focused on keeping secrets rather than just general silence.

1. (địa phương) Keep mum