Definition

Adjective: - Feeling itchy or ticklish: Describes a physical sensation on the skin that causes a slight, persistent, and often irritating need to scratch or rub. It often implies a prickling or tingling feeling. - Feeling restless or fidgety: Describes a psychological state of nervous agitation or impatience, where one cannot sit still, often due to anxiety, excitement, or anticipation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi bị muỗi đốt, chỗ da ấy nhồn nhột khó chịu. (I got a mosquito bite; that spot on my skin is itchy and uncomfortable.)
  • Nghe tin đó, lòng tôi nhồn nhột không yên. (Hearing that news, my heart felt restless and uneasy.)
  • Áo len này làm tôi nhồn nhột cả người. (This wool sweater makes me feel itchy all over.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "nhồn nhột" is a reduplicative form (láy) derived from the root "nhột", which means "ticklish". The reduplication intensifies the sensation, making it more persistent and widespread than the simple "nhột".

Variants and Related Words

• Nhột (adj): ticklish.
  • Bàn chân tôi rất nhột. (My feet are very ticklish.)

Synonyms

• Itchy: causing an irritating sensation on the skin.
• Ticklish: sensitive to being touched, often causing a squirming or laughing reaction.
• Restless: unable to rest or relax due to anxiety or boredom.
• Fidgety: inclined to move about restlessly.

Related Idioms

• Lòng nhồn nhột như kiến bò: A simile meaning "to feel as restless as ants crawling", describing intense anxiety or anticipation.
  • Chờ kết quả, lòng cô ấy nhồn nhột như kiến bò. (Waiting for the results, she felt as restless as crawling ants.)

1. xem nhột (láy)