Definition

1. Adverb:

   • To whisper unintelligibly: To speak in a very low, soft, and unclear manner, such that the words are mumbled or muttered and difficult for others to hear or understand. It often describes speaking under one's breath or in a way that is not meant to be clearly heard.

2. Verb (used with "nói"):

   • To mumble / to mutter: The act of speaking in a low, indistinct voice, typically without opening the mouth fully, resulting in unclear speech.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • Cậu bé cứ nhi nhí trong miệng mãi. (The boy kept mumbling unintelligibly.)
  • "Không sao đâu," cô ấy nói nhi nhí. ("It's okay," she whispered indistinctly.)

• Verb (with "nói"):

  • Đừng nói nhi nhí, hãy nói to lên. (Don't mumble, speak up.)
  • Ông lão nhi nhí vài câu rồi đi tiếp. (The old man muttered a few words and then walked on.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhi nhí trách móc": to mumble a complaint.
  • Nó nhi nhí trách móc vài câu rồi bỏ đi. (He mumbled a few words of complaint and then left.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lầm bầm (v): to grumble, to mutter (often with a tone of discontent).
  • Anh ta lầm bầm một mình. (He was grumbling to himself.)

Synonyms

• Mumble: To speak quietly and indistinctly.
• Mutter: To utter words in a low, unclear voice.
• Whisper unintelligibly: To speak in a hushed tone that is not clear.

Related Idioms

• Nói nhi nhí như tụng kinh: To mumble as if chanting sutras (describes continuous, low, and monotonous mumbling).
  • Cô giáo bảo nó đừng nói nhi nhí như tụng kinh. (The teacher told him to stop mumbling as if chanting sutras.)

1. Whisper uninter lligibly