Definition

1. Verb:
   • To listen secretly: To intentionally and covertly listen to a conversation or information that one is not supposed to hear, typically without the knowledge or consent of the speakers.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ nghe lén cuộc nói chuyện của người lớn. (The child listened secretly to the adults' conversation.)
  • Anh ta bị bắt quả tang khi đang nghe lén ở ngoài cửa. (He was caught red-handed while eavesdropping outside the door.)
  • Không nên nghe lén điện thoại của người khác. (You should not eavesdrop on someone else's phone call.)

Advanced Usage

• The action often implies a deliberate attempt to gain private or confidential information. It carries a negative connotation of intrusion and a lack of respect for privacy.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghe trộm (v): a direct synonym meaning to listen stealthily or to eavesdrop.
  • Một số công ty bị cáo buộc nghe trộm cuộc gọi. (Some companies are accused of wiretapping calls.)

Synonyms

• To eavesdrop: To listen secretly to a private conversation.
• To snoop: To investigate or look around secretly, often including listening.
• To overhear: To accidentally hear something. (Note: This differs from "nghe lén" as it lacks intent.)

Related Idioms

• Tai vách mạch rừng: (Walls have ears.) An idiom warning that secret conversations may be overheard.
  • Cẩn thận khi nói chuyện, tai vách mạch rừng đấy. (Be careful when talking, walls have ears.)

verb

1. to listen secretly