ngảnh mặt
Definition
- Verb:
- To turn one's face/head away: The primary meaning of "ngảnh mặt" is the physical act of turning one's face or head to the side or in another direction, often to avoid looking at someone or something.
- To turn one's back on / to ignore: Figuratively, it means to deliberately ignore, snub, or reject someone, showing disregard or refusal to acknowledge them.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ấy buồn bã ngảnh mặt đi. (She sadly turned her face away.)
- Đừng ngảnh mặt làm ngơ khi tôi nói chuyện. (Don't turn away and ignore me when I'm talking.)
- Anh ta ngảnh mặt không thèm nhìn đối thủ. (He turned his face away, refusing to look at his opponent.)
Advanced Usage
- The action often carries a strong emotional connotation of disdain, anger, hurt, or rejection. It is not a neutral turn of the head but one loaded with intention.
- It can describe the beginning of a physical departure, as in turning away to leave a person or situation behind.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngoảnh mặt (v): This is a common variant with identical meaning and usage to "ngảnh mặt".
- Ngoảnh đầu (v): to turn one's head (can be more neutral, less emotionally charged than "ngảnh mặt").
- Quay mặt đi (v): to turn one's face away (a more literal, descriptive phrase).
Synonyms
- To turn away: to move so as to face another direction.
- To ignore: to refuse to take notice of or acknowledge.
- To snub: to treat with disdain or contempt, especially by ignoring.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Ngảnh mặt làm ngơ: to turn one's face away and pretend not to see; to deliberately ignore.
- Thấy người gặp nạn, anh không thể ngảnh mặt làm ngơ. (Seeing the person in trouble, he couldn't just turn away and pretend not to see.)