Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Contrary; opposite; reverse: Describes something that goes against the normal or expected direction, order, or flow.
   • Hostile; unfriendly: Describes a feeling or action that is antagonistic or opposed.

2. Verb:

   • To play/mess around (often mischievously): Typically used to describe children engaging in playful but potentially naughty, troublesome, or improper activities.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Chiếc xe đi nghịch chiều. (The vehicle was going in the opposite direction.)
  • Thái độ nghịch của họ khiến cuộc đàm phán thất bại. (Their hostile attitude caused the negotiation to fail.)

• Verb:

  • Đứa trẻ nghịch cát cả buổi chiều. (The child played with/messed around in the sand all afternoon.)
  • Đừng nghịch cái remote, nó sẽ hỏng đấy. (Don't mess with the remote; it will break.)

Advanced Usage

• "nghịch ngợm": mischievous, naughty (an intensified form).

  • Cậu bé rất nghịch ngợm nhưng đáng yêu. (The boy is very mischievous but lovable.)

• "nghịch lý": paradox.

  • Đó là một nghịch lý khó giải thích. (That is a difficult paradox to explain.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nghịch tử (n): an unfilial child; a rebellious child who goes against parental will.
• Phản nghịch (adj): rebellious, treasonous.
• Nghịch cảnh (n): adversity; a contrary or difficult situation.

Synonyms

• Adjective (opposite): reverse, counter.
• Adjective (hostile): antagonistic, adverse.
• Verb (play): to fiddle with, to tamper with (often with a negative connotation).

Related Idioms

• Nghịch như giặc: as naughty as a bandit; used to describe an extremely mischievous child.

  • Thằng bé này nghịch như giặc. (This boy is as naughty as a bandit.)

• Thuận mua vừa bán, nghịch ý đôi đường: A saying meaning when things are agreeable, business is easy; when there is discord, both sides lose.

  • Hãy thương lượng, đừng để "nghịch ý đôi đường". (Let's negotiate so we don't end up in a lose-lose situation.)

adj

1. contrary; opposite; reverse
   • nghịch chiều
     in the opposite direction. hostile; unfriendly
   • hành vi thù nghịch
     histile act