ngoáp
Definition
- Verb:
- To gulp (air/water): The primary meaning of "ngoáp" describes the action of a fish (or similar aquatic creature) repeatedly opening and closing its mouth, typically at the water's surface, to gulp air or water. This is often a sign of distress or a struggle to breathe.
- To gasp (open-mouthed): By extension, it can describe a similar open-mouthed gasping or gulping motion made by other animals or even a person, often implying exhaustion, surprise, or difficulty breathing.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Con cá vàng đang ngoáp trên mặt nước. (The goldfish is gulping at the water's surface.)
- Cá ngoáp vài cái rồi chết. (The fish gulped a few times and then died.)
- Nó mệt đến nỗi chỉ biết ngồi ngoáp. (He was so tired he could only sit there gasping.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is highly specific and visual, almost always used to depict a desperate or involuntary biological action related to breathing. It is not used for casual drinking or eating.
Variants and Related Words
- Há miệng: (v) to open one's mouth. This is a general term, whereas "ngoáp" implies a rapid, repeated sequence.
- Đớp: (v) to snap at (e.g., a fish snapping at food or bait). "Đớp" is a single, swift snapping motion, while "ngoáp" is a slower, repetitive gulping.
Synonyms
- Gulp: to swallow air or liquid quickly.
- Gasp: to catch one's breath with an open mouth.
Related Idioms
- Cá ngoáp trên thớt: Literally "a fish gulping on the cutting board." This idiom describes a person or entity in an utterly helpless and desperate situation, with no escape.
- Công ty đó giờ như cá ngoáp trên thớt. (That company is now like a fish gasping on the cutting board.)