Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Choked; clogged; blocked: Describes a state where a passage, tube, or airway is obstructed, preventing the normal flow of air, liquid, or movement.
   • Too tight; constricting: Describes something that fits so tightly it causes a feeling of constriction or suffocation.

2. Verb (to be/become choked):

   • To be obstructed: Used to indicate that something has become blocked or clogged.
   • To feel suffocated: Used to describe the sensation of being unable to breathe easily due to tightness or emotion.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Ống nước bị nghẹt. (The water pipe is clogged.)
  • Cổ áo sơ mi này nghẹt quá. (This shirt collar is too tight/constricting.)

• Verb:

  • Đường ống đang nghẹt dần vì rác. (The pipe is getting clogged with trash.)
  • Tôi nghẹt cổ vì xúc động. (I am choked up with emotion.)

Advanced Usage

• "nghẹt thở": Literally "choked breath"; used to mean "suffocating" or "breathless," both physically and metaphorically (e.g., due to tension or pollution).

  • Bầu không khí trong phòng thật nghẹt thở. (The atmosphere in the room is suffocating.)

• "tắc nghẹt": A compound emphasizing a complete blockage or severe congestion.

  • Giao thông tắc nghẹt vào giờ cao điểm. (Traffic is completely congested during rush hour.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nghẹn (v): Often used interchangeably with "nghẹt" for choking, but can more specifically imply a lump in the throat from emotion.
• Bịt (v): to cover or seal an opening.
• Tắc (v/adj): to be blocked or clogged; a very close synonym often paired with "nghẹt."

Synonyms

• Clogged: Blocked, obstructed.
• Constricted: Made narrow or tight.
• Suffocated: Deprived of air.

Related Idioms

• Nghẹn ngào: To be choked with emotion; overwhelmed with feeling (often leading to tears).

  • Cô ấy nghẹn ngào không nói nên lời. (She was so choked with emotion she couldn't speak.)

• Nghẹt tiếng: To have a voice choked off; to be unable to speak.

  • Nỗi đau khiến anh ấy nghẹt tiếng. (The pain left him speechless.)

1. Too tight, strangling
   • Cái cổ áo sơ mi này chật quá làm tôi nghẹt cổ
     This shirt collar is too tight, it is hard to shut it
2. Choked up, clogged up
   • ống nước bị nghẹt, nước không chảy lên dược
     The pipe is choed up and does not let the water though