nghe lóng

Cậu bé nghe lóng cuộc nói chuyện của người lớn.

Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To eavesdrop: To listen secretly to a private conversation without the knowledge or consent of the speakers.
   • To overhear (intentionally): To deliberately listen in on a conversation one is not intended to hear.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Đứa trẻ nghe lóng cuộc nói chuyện của người lớn. (The child eavesdropped on the adults' conversation.)
  • Anh ta đứng ngoài cửa để nghe lóng. (He stood outside the door to eavesdrop.)
  • Tôi không có ý nghe lóng, nhưng giọng nói của họ quá to. (I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but their voices were too loud.)

Advanced Usage

• The action is typically considered secretive, impolite, or an invasion of privacy. It implies the listener is intentionally hidden or unnoticed.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghe trộm (verb phrase): A direct synonym meaning to listen stealthily or secretly.
  • Cô ấy bị bắt quả tang đang nghe trộm điện thoại. (She was caught red-handed eavesdropping on the phone.)

Synonyms

• Eavesdrop: To listen secretly to a private conversation.
• Overhear (deliberately): To intentionally hear a conversation one is not part of.
• Listen in: To listen to a conversation, especially secretly.

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.)