Definition

Adjective: - To be not quite certain, to be still doubtful: Expresses a state of uncertainty or hesitation about something, not being completely sure. - To remember vaguely: Indicates a faint or unclear memory of something.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi còn ngợ không biết anh ta có phải là người quen không. (I am still doubtful whether he is an acquaintance.)
  • Cô ấy ngợ về kết quả của cuộc kiểm tra. (She is uncertain about the test results.)
  • Tôi ngợ là đã gặp anh ấy ở đâu đó rồi. (I vaguely remember having met him somewhere before.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngờ ngợ" (reduplicative form, attenuated meaning): To be still rather doubtful; to remember vaguely.
  • Tôi ngờ ngợ là mình đã quên khóa cửa. (I have a vague feeling that I forgot to lock the door.)
  • Anh ấy ngờ ngợ không biết lời hứa đó có thật không. (He is somewhat doubtful whether that promise is real.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngờ vực (verb): To suspect, to doubt (stronger and more active than "ngợ").
  • Cảnh sát ngờ vực người đàn ông đó. (The police suspect that man.)
• Hoài nghi (verb/noun): To doubt; doubt, skepticism (more formal and intellectual).
  • Anh ấy hoài nghi về tính chân thực của câu chuyện. (He doubts the authenticity of the story.)

Synonyms

• Không chắc chắn: Not certain.
• Phân vân: To be hesitant, to be in two minds.
• Mơ hồ: Vague, indistinct (often for memories or impressions).

Notes on Usage

• "Ngợ" is primarily used as a predicative adjective, often following verbs like "còn" (still) or directly describing the subject's state of mind.
• The reduplicative form "ngờ ngợ" is very common and softens the meaning, expressing a lighter, less definite sense of doubt or a faint memory.
• It is less common in formal writing and more typical of spoken or informal Vietnamese.

1. Be not quite certain, be still doubtful
   • Ngờ ngợ (láy, ý giảm)
     To be still rather doubtful, to remenber vaguely