Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To close (one's eyes) tightly: To shut one's eyelids firmly and completely, often implying a deliberate, forceful, or sustained action.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Cậu bé nhắm nghiền mắt lại vì sợ hãi. (The boy closed his eyes tightly because he was scared.)
  • Cô ấy nhắm nghiền mắt để tập trung. (She closed her eyes tightly to concentrate.)
  • Anh ấy chỉ muốn nhắm nghiền mắt và ngủ. (He just wanted to close his eyes tightly and sleep.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhắm nghiền mắt lại": This is the most common and complete construction. The phrase almost always includes "mắt" (eyes) and often "lại" (an action particle indicating completion or direction).
  • Nó nhắm nghiền mắt lại, cố gắng không nhìn xuống. (He closed his eyes tightly, trying not to look down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhắm mắt (verb phrase): To close one's eyes. This is the neutral, standard term.
  • Nhắm mắt và thư giãn. (Close your eyes and relax.)
• Nhắm tịt (verb phrase, informal): To close (eyes) tightly. Similar to "nhắm nghiền" but can sound more casual or childish.
  • Đứa trẻ nhắm tịt mắt lại. (The child squeezed its eyes shut.)

Synonyms

• Nhắm chặt (verb phrase): To close tightly. A close synonym, though "nhắm nghiền" often carries a more vivid, descriptive nuance.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "nghiền" in this context intensifies the verb "nhắm" (to close). It conveys an image of pressing or squeezing the eyelids together, not just gently closing them. It is often used to describe reactions to strong light, pain, intense concentration, fear, or a deep desire to block out the external world.

1. close (one's eyes) tightly