Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brat, a little rascal, a mischievous child: "nhãi ranh" refers to a child, typically a boy, who is naughty, impish, or acts in a cheeky, disrespectful manner. It is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar term expressing annoyance or mild contempt.
   • A whippersnapper, a young upstart: It can also imply a young person who is insolent or presumptuous beyond their years.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Thằng nhãi ranh đó lại lấy trộm táo của tôi! (That little rascal stole my apples again!)
  • Đừng nghe lời thằng nhãi ranh đó. (Don't listen to that brat.)
  • Mấy đứa nhãi ranh trong xóm suốt ngày đá bóng làm ồn. (The brats in the neighborhood are noisy all day playing soccer.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used for male children. For a female child, "con nhãi ranh" might be used, though it's less common.
• It is often used in direct address when scolding: "" (Get lost, you little brat!)
• The tone is informal and can be considered rude or offensive, though sometimes used affectionately among close family in a teasing way (similar to "you little rascal" in English).

Variants and Related Words

• Nhãi con (n): A slightly less harsh synonym, also meaning a brat or a kid.
• Ran con (n): A very vulgar and strong pejorative term for a child.
• Trẻ ranh (n): A similar term for an impudent young person.

Synonyms

• Brat: A badly behaved child.
• Urchin: A mischievous child, often poor or ragged.
• Imp: A small, mischievous creature or child.
• Whippersnapper: A young and inexperienced person who is presumptuous.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Đồ nhãi ranh: You brat! (A common exclamation of annoyance directed at a child).
  • Đồ nhãi ranh, im ngay! (You brat, be quiet now!)

1. nh nhãi