Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Ignored, disregarded: Describes something that is intentionally not paid attention to or considered unimportant, as if it were not heard.
   • Turned a deaf ear to: Describes an attitude of deliberately ignoring advice, criticism, or gossip.

Usage

• "ngoài tai" is primarily used in the fixed phrase "bỏ ngoài tai" or "để ngoài tai", which functions as a verb phrase meaning "to ignore" or "to pay no heed to".
• It describes the action of consciously choosing not to listen to or be affected by something, often something negative or distracting.
• It is used to express that someone treats words or information as unimportant and does not let them influence their thoughts or feelings.

Usage Examples

• As part of the phrase "bỏ ngoài tai":
  • Anh ấy luôn bỏ ngoài tai mọi lời chỉ trích. (He always turns a deaf ear to all criticism.)
  • Cô ấy khuyên tôi nên bỏ ngoài tai những lời đồn thổi. (She advised me to ignore the rumors.)
• As part of the phrase "để ngoài tai":
  • Hãy để ngoài tai những lời nói vô nghĩa đó. (Just pay no heed to those meaningless words.)

Advanced Usage

• The concept emphasizes a conscious, willful act of dismissal. It is stronger than simply not hearing; it implies a decision to treat the information as irrelevant.
• It is often used when giving advice on how to deal with negativity, gossip, or unsolicited opinions.

Variants and Related Words

• Lờ đi (verb): To ignore, to disregard. (A more common single-word synonym for "bỏ ngoài tai").
• Không quan tâm (verb phrase): To not care about, to not pay attention to.
• Phớt lờ (verb): To disregard coolly or indifferently.

Synonyms

• Ignore
• Disregard
• Turn a deaf ear to
• Pay no heed to

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Bỏ ngoài tai" / "Để ngoài tai": To ignore, to turn a deaf ear to. This is the primary and almost exclusive construction in which "ngoài tai" is used.
  • Đôi khi, cách tốt nhất là bỏ ngoài tai ý kiến của người khác và tin vào chính mình. (Sometimes, the best way is to ignore others' opinions and believe in yourself.)

1. Bỏ ngoài tai
2. To turn a deaf ear to, to ignore
   • Bỏ ngoài tai những lời thị phi
     To ignore disparaging talks