nghe lén
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- to listen secretly