nghịch ý
Definition
- Adjective:
- Contrary to one's will or intention: Describes an action, event, or outcome that goes against what a person wants, intends, or expects.
- Perverse / Contrary: Can describe a stubborn or deliberately oppositional attitude or behavior.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Mọi việc xảy ra thật nghịch ý. (Everything happened so contrary to my wishes.)
- Đứa trẻ có tính nghịch ý, bảo gì cũng làm ngược lại. (The child has a contrary nature, doing the opposite of whatever he's told.)
- Kết quả nghịch ý khiến anh ấy thất vọng. (The contrary result disappointed him.)
Advanced Usage
- Used formally or in literary contexts to describe situations, outcomes, or dispositions that are frustratingly opposite to what is desired.
Variants and Related Words
- Nghịch (adj/verb): Can mean "playful," "mischievous," or "to play." In combination with "ý," it specifically relates to opposition of will.
- Trái ý (adj): A more common synonym meaning "against one's wishes."
Synonyms
- Contrary: Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
- Against one's will: Not in accordance with one's desires.
- Perverse: Willfully determined to go against what is expected or desired.
Related Idioms
- Nghịch cảnh: Refers to "adversity" or a "difficult situation," sharing the root "nghịch" meaning "contrary" or "adverse."
- Vượt qua nghịch cảnh. (To overcome adversity.)