ngoái cổ
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To look back over one's shoulder: The primary meaning of "ngoái cổ" is the physical action of turning one's head and neck to look behind oneself.
- To glance back: It implies a quick or brief look backward, often while moving forward or being in a fixed position.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ấy ngoái cổ lại để nhìn người bạn cũ. (She looked back over her shoulder to see her old friend.)
- Đừng ngoái cổ khi đang lái xe, rất nguy hiểm. (Don't look back while driving; it's very dangerous.)
- Anh ta chỉ ngoái cổ một cái rồi tiếp tục bước đi. (He just glanced back once and then continued walking.)
Advanced Usage
- "ngoái cổ nhìn": to look back (at something/someone). This emphasizes the act of looking.
- Đứa trẻ ngoái cổ nhìn theo món đồ chơi. (The child looked back at the toy.)
- The action often conveys a sense of nostalgia, reluctance to leave, or curiosity about what is behind.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngoái (verb): The root verb meaning "to turn (the head/neck) back." "Ngoái cổ" is a more specific and common compound form.
- Quay đầu lại (verb phrase): A more general phrase meaning "to turn one's head around" or "to turn back."
- Ngoảnh cổ / Ngoảnh đầu (verb): Synonyms with the same meaning as "ngoái cổ."
Synonyms
- Quay lại nhìn: to turn and look.
- Liếc nhìn phía sau: to glance behind.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Ngoái cổ lại sau": to look back at the past (often used figuratively).
- Đừng ngoái cổ lại sau, hãy hướng về tương lai. (Don't look back at the past; look toward the future.)
- The word is sometimes used in literature and songs to evoke a poignant moment of parting or remembrance.
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