Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To listen to, to obey: To pay attention to and follow the advice, instructions, or commands of someone, typically someone in a position of authority or respect.
   • To heed, to comply with: To accept and act according to what someone has said.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Con cái thì phải nghe lời cha mẹ. (Children must listen to their parents.)
  • Học sinh ngoan luôn nghe lời thầy cô giáo. (Good students always obey their teachers.)
  • Tôi đã nghe lời khuyên của bác sĩ. (I heeded the doctor's advice.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a hierarchical or respectful relationship, such as between parent and child, teacher and student, or advisor and advisee. It carries a connotation of duty, respect, and sometimes submission.
• It can be used in a broader, less hierarchical sense to mean taking someone's advice seriously.
  • Anh ấy không bao giờ nghe lời ai. (He never listens to anyone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vâng lời (verb phrase): A more formal or emphatic synonym for "nghe lời," often implying obedience.

  • Đứa trẻ rất biết vâng lời. (The child is very obedient.)

• Tuân lời (verb phrase): To obey, to follow orders (slightly more formal and less common).

  • Binh lính phải tuân lời chỉ huy. (Soldiers must obey their commander.)

Synonyms

• Obey: To follow the commands or guidance of.
• Listen to: To pay attention to someone's words.
• Heed: To pay careful attention to and consider seriously.
• Comply with: To act in accordance with a wish, command, or rule.

Related Idioms

• Nghe lời ngọt: To be swayed by sweet/flattering words.

  • Đừng vì nghe lời ngọt mà mắc bẫy. (Don't be fooled by sweet talk and fall into a trap.)

• Nghe lời phải, lẽ trái: To listen to both sides of an argument (to hear the right and the wrong reasons).

  • Một người công bằng phải biết nghe lời phải, lẽ trái. (A fair person must know how to listen to both sides.)

1. Listen to, comply with the advice of, take the advice of
   • Con cái thì phải nghe lời cha mẹ
     Children must listen to their parents