Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Absurd, unreasonable, illogical: Describes something (typically speech, opinions, or actions) that is contrary to common sense, logic, or accepted norms, making it difficult to accept or listen to.
   • Offensive, jarring to the ear: Describes words or statements that are shocking, irritating, or unpleasant to hear because they are inappropriate or defy reason.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy nói toàn những lời ngang tai. (He keeps saying absurd/unreasonable things.)
  • Yêu cầu đó thật sự ngang tai, không ai có thể chấp nhận được. (That request is truly unreasonable; no one can accept it.)
  • Đừng nói chuyện ngang tai trước mặt mọi người. (Don't say offensive/jarring things in front of everyone.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nghe ngang tai": to find something unreasonable/offensive to listen to.
  • Tôi nghe thấy ngang tai lắm. (I find that very unreasonable/offensive to hear.)
• Used to express strong disapproval or frustration towards an opinion or statement perceived as nonsensical or unjust.
  • Lập luận ngang tai ấy chỉ khiến mọi người bực mình. (That illogical argument only annoys everyone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngang ngược (adj): defiant, insolent, unreasonable (often describing attitude or behavior).
  • Thái độ ngang ngược. (An insolent attitude.)
• Ngang trái (adj): unjust, unfair, contrary to what is right (often describing situations or fates).
  • Số phận ngang trái. (An unjust fate.)
• Ngang phè (adj, informal): brazen, shameless.
  • Cứ làm ngang phè như không có gì. (To act brazenly as if nothing happened.)

Synonyms

• Vô lý: illogical, nonsensical.
• Trái khoáy: perverse, contrary.
• Chướng tai: offensive to the ear (similar in the context of speech).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Nói ngang nói ngửa": to talk back insolently; to argue unreasonably.
  • Đứa trẻ cứ nói ngang nói ngửa với người lớn. (The child keeps talking back insolently to the adults.)
• "Ngang như cua": (simile) as stubborn/defiant as a crab (moving sideways).
  • Tính nó ngang như cua. (He/She is as stubborn as a crab.)

1. Absurd, unreasonabe
   • Nói toàn những chuyện ngang tai
     To talk only of absurd things