Definition

1. Verb:
   • To overhear: To accidentally hear a conversation or information that was not intended for you, especially when the speakers are unaware of your presence or attention.

Usage

• The verb nghe lỏm describes the act of unintentionally or secretly hearing something private. It often implies the listener was not meant to hear the information. It is typically used with direct or indirect objects (what was overheard or from whom).
• Common structure: or .
• Example: (I accidentally overheard their plan.)

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ nghe lỏm cuộc nói chuyện của bố mẹ. (The child overheard the parents' conversation.)
  • Cô ấy nghe lỏm được tin tức quan trọng khi đang ở trong phòng chờ. (She overheard important news while in the waiting room.)
  • Không nên nghe lỏm người khác. (One should not eavesdrop on others.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nghe lỏm được": This combination emphasizes the successful or accidental acquisition of the information.
  • Anh ta nghe lỏm được bí mật đó từ một cuộc điện thoại. (He overheard that secret from a phone call.)
• The action of nghe lỏm can be considered impolite or an invasion of privacy, though it can sometimes be unintentional.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghe trộm (Verb): To eavesdrop deliberately. This word carries a stronger connotation of intentional, secret listening.
  • Nghe trộm thường có chủ đích hơn nghe lỏm. (Eavesdropping is usually more deliberate than overhearing.)
• Tình cờ nghe thấy (Phrase): To happen to hear. This phrase is more neutral and focuses on the chance nature of the event without the nuance of secrecy.

Synonyms

• Vô tình nghe thấy: To unintentionally hear.
• Chợt nghe thấy: To suddenly hear (often implying by chance).

Related Phrases (if applicable)

• Nghe lỏm chuyện người khác: To overhear other people's business/affairs.
  • Anh ta thích nghe lỏm chuyện người khác. (He likes to overhear other people's business.)

Related Idioms

• Tai vách mạch rừng: (Literal: Walls have ears, the forest has veins). An idiom meaning that secrets are hard to keep; someone might be listening. This relates to the concept of nghe lỏm as a risk.
  • Cẩn thận khi nói chuyện, tai vách mạch rừng đấy. (Be careful when talking, walls have ears.)

1. Overhear