ngại

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "ngại" is an adjective and verb that conveys feelings of worry, hesitation, or fear. It can be used in various contexts to express reluctance or concern about something.

Basic Meaning:

1. Adjective: It describes a state of being worried, hesitant, or fearful about a situation.

   • Example: "Tôi ngại khi phải nói trước đám đông." (I am worried when I have to speak in front of a crowd.)

2. Verb: It can also mean to fear or be afraid of something.

   • Example: "Cô ấy ngại đi một mình vào ban đêm." (She is afraid to go alone at night.)

Usage Instructions:

• Use "ngại" when you want to express that you feel hesitant or afraid about doing something.
• It is often used in sentences where you want to show your reluctance to act or your concern for someone else.

Advanced Usage:

• "Ngại" can be paired with other words to extend its meaning. For example, "ái ngại" which means to feel sorry for someone or to have sympathy.
  • Example: "Tôi cảm thấy ái ngại vì đã làm cô ấy buồn." (I feel sorry for having made her sad.)

Word Variants:

• "Ngại ngùng": This variant emphasizes being shy or bashful, often in social situations.
  • Example: "Anh ấy rất ngại ngùng khi gặp người lạ." (He is very shy when meeting strangers.)

Different Meanings:

• While "ngại" primarily conveys worry or fear, in some contexts, it can also imply a sense of politeness or consideration for others’ feelings.
  • Example: "Tôi ngại không muốn làm phiền bạn." (I hesitate because I don’t want to bother you.)

Synonyms:

• E ngại: Similar to "ngại," it also means to be apprehensive or hesitant.
• Sợ: This means "to be afraid," and can be used in more direct contexts of fear.

Summary:

"Ngại" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that can be used to express feelings of worry, hesitation, or fear. It can be combined with other phrases for more nuanced meanings and is helpful in expressing politeness or concern for others.

Academic

adj

1. Worried; hesitant; fearful
   • ái ngại
     to feel sorry for

verb

1. to fear; to be afraid