Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Silly, foolish, naive: Describes a person, appearance, or behavior that shows a lack of intelligence, awareness, or sophistication, often in a simple, childlike, or unsophisticated way.
   • Clumsy, awkward: Can describe actions or speech that are unrefined, inept, or lacking in skill.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu bé có vẻ mặt ngô nghê. (The boy has a silly/naive look on his face.)
  • Anh ấy trả lời một cách ngô nghê. (He answered in a foolish/clumsy manner.)
  • Đừng có hành động ngô nghê như vậy! (Don't act so foolishly like that!)

Advanced Usage

• "ăn nói ngô nghê": to speak foolishly or in a clumsy, unsophisticated way.

  • Cô ấy còn trẻ nên đôi khi ăn nói còn ngô nghê. (She is still young, so sometimes her speech is still clumsy/naive.)

• "cử chỉ ngô nghê": silly/clumsy gestures or actions.

  • Những cử chỉ ngô nghê của chú hề khiến khán giả cười. (The clown's silly gestures made the audience laugh.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngờ nghệch (adj): A close synonym, meaning slow-witted, dim, or not sharp.

  • Anh chàng trông có vẻ ngờ nghệch. (The guy looks rather slow-witted.)

• Ngốc nghếch (adj): Foolish, silly, simple-minded (often with a slightly stronger or more colloquial tone).

  • Câu hỏi ngốc nghếch. (A foolish question.)

Synonyms

• Ngớ ngẩn: foolish, silly.
• Khờ khạo: simple-minded, naive.
• Vụng về: clumsy, awkward (more focused on lack of skill).

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Nuance: "Ngô nghê" often carries a connotation of innocent or childlike foolishness rather than malicious stupidity. It can describe someone who is inexperienced or unsophisticated.
• Tone: It is generally a descriptive term and can be used humorously or critically, depending on context. It is not among the strongest or most offensive words for foolishness.
• Common Collocations: Frequently modifies words related to appearance ( - facial expression), speech (), and behavior ().

1. Silly, foolish
   • Ăn nói ngô nghê
     To talk foolishly