Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be frightened, to dread, to be apprehensive: "ngớp" describes the feeling of fear or apprehension, often upon encountering something intimidating or threatening. It conveys a sense of being daunted or cowed.
   • To be somewhat frightened, to fear vaguely (in the reduplicated form "ngơm ngớp"): The reduplicated form "ngơm ngớp" softens the intensity, indicating a vague, lingering, or mild sense of fear or anxiety, often about an uncertain outcome.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Trông thấy người hung bạo mà ngớp. (To feel apprehensive at the sight of a violent man.)
  • Thấy nó hung hãn mà ngớp. (To be daunted by his/her ferocity.)
  • Bài thi làm chưa vừa, ngơm ngớp chờ kết quả. (To wait for the exam results with a vague sense of fear, being unsatisfied with one's paper.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngơm ngớp": This is the primary advanced form. It is a reduplicated adjective (tính từ láy) that diminishes the intensity of the root verb "ngớp". It describes a state of mild, persistent worry or vague apprehension, not a sharp, immediate fright.
  • Ngơm ngớp sợ trước lúc thi. (To have a bit of apprehension before the exam.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngớp ngần: This is a less common variant with a similar meaning, combining "ngớp" with "ngần" (to hesitate), emphasizing a hesitant fear.
• Khiếp sợ: A stronger synonym meaning "to be terrified".
• Sợ hãi: A common general term for "to be afraid".

Synonyms

• Sợ: To be afraid.
• E ngại: To be concerned, to have misgivings.
• Ái ngại: To be apprehensive, to feel uneasy.
• Lo sợ: To worry and fear.

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Ngớp" and especially "ngơm ngớp" belong to a colloquial and descriptive register. They are more vivid and nuanced than the simple word "sợ".
• Context: Often used to describe a reaction to a perceived threat, danger, or an intimidating person/situation. "Ngơm ngớp" is frequently used in contexts of anticipation and uncertainty (e.g., waiting for results, before an important event).
• The root word "ngớp" is rarely used alone in modern Vietnamese; the reduplicated form "ngơm ngớp" is far more common.

1. Be frightened,dread
   • Ngơm ngớp (láy, ý giảm).
     To be somewhat frightened, to fear vaguely, to be vaguely afraid
   • Bài thi làm chưa vừa, ngơm ngớp chờ kết quả
     To wait for the results of one's examination with a vague sense of fear, being not satisfied with one's paper