ngấp nga ngấp nghé
Definition
- Idiomatic phrase:
- To hover around, to hang around expectantly: Describes the action of lingering or loitering near something with a sense of anticipation, eagerness, or desire, often without directly engaging or taking it. It implies a state of waiting and watching, usually with covetous intent.
- To eye something greedily or longingly: Conveys the attitude of looking at or approaching something with strong desire or envy, often while hesitating to act.
Usage Examples
- Idiomatic phrase:
- Nó cứ ngấp nga ngấp nghé bên ngoài cửa hàng đồ chơi. (He just kept hovering around outside the toy store.)
- Đừng có ngấp nga ngấp nghé chỗ tiền của người khác. (Don't eye other people's money greedily.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, suggesting improper desire, envy, or impatience. It is frequently used to describe someone's obvious but restrained craving for an object, position, or opportunity that belongs to or is meant for another.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngấp nghé (idiomatic phrase): A shorter, more common variant with the same core meaning of eyeing or coveting something eagerly.
- Hắn ngấp nghé chiếc ghế giám đốc đã lâu. (He has been coveting the director's chair for a long time.)
Synonyms
- To covet: to desire wrongfully or enviously.
- To eye greedily: to look at with strong desire.
- To linger around: to stay in a place longer than necessary, often waiting.
Related Idioms
- Thèm thuồng: to crave or hanker after something.
- Nó nhìn chiếc bánh với vẻ thèm thuồng. (He looked at the cake with craving.)
- Muốn mòn con mắt: (literally: to want until one's eyes wear out) to want something desperately.
- Nó muốn chiếc xe mới muốn mòn con mắt. (He wants the new car desperately.)