Definition

1. Noun:
   • A child or kid (used contemptuously or dismissively): "nhãi" refers to a child, typically in a derogatory, scornful, or belittling manner. It implies the speaker views the child as insignificant, annoying, or impudent.
   • Brat, imp, little devil: This term often carries the connotation of a mischievous, rude, or poorly behaved child.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cút đi đồ nhãi! (Beat it, you little brat!)
  • Thằng nhãi đó lại lấy trộm bánh của tôi. (That little imp stole my cake again.)
  • Đừng nghe lời một thằng nhãi con. (Don't listen to a snot-nosed kid.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is almost exclusively used in informal, colloquial, and often rude speech. It is not a polite or neutral term for a child.
• It is frequently used by adults expressing anger, frustration, or superiority towards a child.
• Often appears in direct address (vocative case) for scolding or chasing someone away.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhãi con (n): A very common variant with the same meaning (brat, kid).
• Nhãi ranh (n): Another variant emphasizing mischievousness or impudence (little scamp, imp).
• Nhãi nhép (n): A less common variant with the same derogatory meaning.
• Trẻ con (n): The standard, neutral term for "children" or "a child."
• Nhóc (n): A colloquial but less harsh term for "kid" or "tyke."

Synonyms

• Brat: A poorly behaved, annoying child.
• Imp: A small, mischievous creature or child.
• Urchin: A mischievous child, often one who is poorly dressed.
• Runt (when used derogatorily for a small child): An insignificant or small person.

Related Phrases

• Đồ nhãi: "You brat!" (A common insulting phrase using "nhãi").
• Thằng nhãi: "That kid/boy" (using the male classifier "thằng" for added derogatory force).

1. cũng nói nhãi con, nhãi mép, nhãi ranh Little devil, imp
   • Cút đi đồ nhãi
     Beat it, little devil!