Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slightly afraid, vaguely fearful: "ngơm ngớp" describes a state of being somewhat scared or apprehensive, often in a vague, lingering, or anxious way. It implies a low-level, persistent worry rather than intense terror.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sau khi làm bài thi, anh ấy ngơm ngớp chờ kết quả. (After taking the exam, he was anxiously waiting for the results.)
  • Nghe tiếng động lạ trong đêm, cô bé cảm thấy ngơm ngớp. (Hearing a strange noise at night, the little girl felt a vague fear.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngơm ngớp lo": to be vaguely worried.
  • Cô ấy cứ ngơm ngớp lo không biết con có về an toàn không. (She kept feeling vaguely worried, not knowing if her child would return home safely.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngớp (verb/adjective): The root word, meaning to be startled, scared, or to flinch due to sudden fear. "Ngơm ngớp" is the reduplicative form (từ láy) of "ngớp," which softens and prolongs the feeling.
  • Tiếng sét làm nó ngớp người. (The thunderclap made him flinch.)

Synonyms

• Lo lắng mơ hồ: vaguely anxious.
• Hơi sợ: a little scared.
• Áy náy: to feel uneasy, troubled (often with a sense of guilt).

Notes on Meaning

• Nuance: "Ngơm ngớp" specifically conveys a subtle, simmering fear or anxiety. It is not used for sharp, immediate fright (which would be "hoảng sợ" or "giật mình"). It often describes the anxious anticipation of an unknown or potential negative outcome.

1. xem ngớp (láy)