Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Strict, stringent, rigorous: Describes a rule, order, or measure that is very tight, severe, and allows no flexibility or leniency.
   • Tight, constricting: Can describe something physically tight or restrictive (though this usage is less common in modern language).

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Kỷ luật ở đây rất ngặt. (The discipline here is very strict.)
  • Lệnh cấm được thi hành một cách ngặt nghèo. (The ban was enforced in a stringent manner.)
  • An ninh tại sân bay được siết chặt rất ngặt. (Security at the airport is very tight/rigorous.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngặt nghèo": An intensified form meaning "extremely strict," "stringent," or "tight." It is often used as a fixed pair with "ngặt."
  • Quy định mới quá ngặt nghèo. (The new regulations are too stringent.)
• "cấm ngặt": A fixed phrase meaning "strictly forbidden" or "formally prohibited."
  • Cấm ngặt hút thuốc trong phòng. (Smoking in the room is strictly forbidden.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngặt nghèo (adj): Stringent, rigorous, tight. (Commonly used as a pair with "ngặt").
• Chặt chẽ (adj): Tight, strict, close-knit. (A close synonym, often implying thoroughness and lack of loopholes).
• Nghiêm ngặt (adj): Strict, severe, rigorous. (A synonym with a strong connotation of severity and formality).

Synonyms

• Nghiêm khắc: Stern, severe.
• Chặt: Tight, strict.
• Ráo riết: Intense, vigorous (often for activities, can imply strictness in pursuit).

Related Phrases

• Thi hành ngặt: To enforce strictly.
  • Luật giao thông cần được thi hành ngặt. (Traffic laws need to be strictly enforced.)

Notes on Usage

• "Ngặt" is primarily used to describe abstract concepts like rules, orders, discipline, security, or prohibitions. Its use for physical tightness (e.g., a tight knot) is less frequent.
• It often appears in formal or official contexts to emphasize the inflexibility of a rule.
• The word "ngặt" itself can sometimes sound slightly literary. In everyday speech, the paired form "ngặt nghèo" or synonyms like "nghiêm ngặt" and "chặt chẽ" are very common.

1. Strict, stringent, rigorous
   • Kỷ luật ngặt
     A strict discipline
   • Bảo vệ rất ngặt
     To be guarded by stringent precaution
   • Lệnh trên rất ngặt
     The oeder from above are very strict