nghệch

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The Vietnamese word "nghệch" is often used to describe someone who appears to look foolish, dull, or simple-minded. However, it can also imply that despite this outward appearance, the person may actually be quite clever or intelligent.

Basic Meaning:

• "Nghệch" refers to a person who looks a bit silly or not very bright on the outside.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "nghệch" to talk about someone's appearance or demeanor, especially when you want to highlight a contrast between how they look and their actual intelligence or abilities.

Example:

• Trông thì nghệch nhưng rất khôn. (They look dull, but they are actually very clever.)

Advanced Usage:

• In more complex sentences, "nghệch" can be used to describe situations where someone's intelligence is underestimated based on their looks or behavior. For example:
  • Dù trông nghệch, nhưng cậu ấy đã giải quyết vấn đề khó khăn mà không ai nghĩ cậu có thể làm được. (Although he looks silly, he solved a difficult problem that no one thought he could do.)

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "nghệch" in terms of different forms. However, you might encounter it in various contexts, such as:
  • Nghệch ngạc - which can mean looking stunned or surprised, but it’s less common.

Different Meanings:

While "nghệch" primarily focuses on the appearance of foolishness, it can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is naive or lacks worldly experience.

Synonyms:

• Ngốc nghếch (silly, foolish)
• Đần độn (slow-witted)
• Khờ khạo (naive, simple-minded)

Conclusion:

Understanding "nghệch" helps you appreciate the nuances of how appearance can sometimes mislead us about a person's true abilities or intelligence.

Academic

1. Looking stupid, looking dull
   • Trông thì nghệch nhưng rất khôn
     To look only dull but be actually clever