Definition

Verb: - To ponder, to reflect upon, to think over deeply: "Ngẫm" describes the action of thinking carefully, deeply, and at length about something, often to understand it better or to gain insight.

Usage

"Ngẫm" is used to express deep, introspective thought. It is more profound than simple thinking ("nghĩ") and implies a process of careful consideration or meditation on a subject, often a complex or philosophical one.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy ngồi một mình để ngẫm về cuộc đời. (He sat alone to ponder life.)
  • Hãy ngẫm kỹ trước khi đưa ra quyết định quan trọng. (Reflect carefully before making an important decision.)
  • Câu chuyện ấy khiến tôi phải ngẫm lại nhiều điều. (That story made me think over many things.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngẫm nghĩ": A common compound verb combining "ngẫm" and "nghĩ" (to think), emphasizing the process of deep reflection.
  • Sau thất bại, anh ta dành nhiều thời gian để ngẫm nghĩ. (After the failure, he spent a lot of time reflecting.)
• "Ngẫm ra": To realize or figure something out after deep thought.
  • Ngẫm mãi tôi mới ra nguyên nhân của vấn đề. (After pondering for a long time, I finally figured out the cause of the problem.)

Variants and Related Words

• Suy ngẫm (verb): To contemplate, to meditate. This is a close synonym, often used in more formal or literary contexts.
  • Suy ngẫm về triết lý sống. (To contemplate the philosophy of life.)
• Ngẫm nghĩ (verb): As mentioned above, to think deeply, to reflect.

Synonyms

• Suy nghĩ (verb): To think. (A more general term; "ngẫm" implies greater depth.)
• Chiêm nghiệm (verb): To contemplate based on experience or observation.
• Trầm tư (verb/adjective): To be in deep thought; pensive.

Related Idioms

• "Trông người lại ngẫm đến ta": A famous literary line meaning "Looking at others, one reflects upon oneself." It highlights the introspective nature of "ngẫm."
  • Câu thơ "Trông người lại ngẫm đến ta" dạy ta bài học về sự tự soi xét. (The verse "Looking at others, one reflects upon oneself" teaches us a lesson in self-reflection.)

verb

1. to ponder, to reflect upon, to think over