ngáo

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The Vietnamese word "ngáo" is primarily used as an adjective and can mean "dull" or "stupid." It's often used in informal contexts to describe someone who is not thinking clearly or who lacks common sense.

Basic Usage:

• Meaning: When you say someone is "ngáo," you are suggesting that they are acting foolishly or are not very smart in a particular situation.
• Example:
  • "Anh ấy thật ngáo khi không mang ô trong ngày mưa."
  • (He is really dull for not bringing an umbrella on a rainy day.)

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "ngáo" can also refer to someone who is out of touch with reality or who has difficulty understanding things, particularly in social situations. It can sometimes carry a playful or teasing tone among friends.

Word Variants:

• "Ngáo ngơ": This is a colloquial phrase that means to be absent-minded or scatterbrained.
  • Example: "Hôm nay mình cảm thấy ngáo ngơ quá." (Today I feel really scatterbrained.)

Different Meanings:

While "ngáo" mainly conveys the idea of being dull or stupid, it can also be used affectionately among friends to tease each other about being silly or goofy.

Synonyms:

• "ngốc": This word also means "stupid" or "foolish" and is more commonly used.
• "khờ": This can mean "naive" or "gullible," suggesting a lack of intelligence or awareness.
• "dại": This means "foolish" or "silly."

Conclusion:

When using the word "ngáo," it's important to consider the context and the relationship you have with the person you are describing. It can be light-hearted among friends, but it can also be offensive if used in a more serious context.

Academic

adj

1. dull, stupid