Definition

Verb: - To recall often, to remind repeatedly, to speak of frequently: The action of mentioning or remembering someone or something repeatedly, especially with a sense of missing or longing. It often implies bringing something to mind or conversation again and again, typically about an absent person or a past event.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bà cụ thường nhắc nhỏm đến người con trai đi xa. (The old woman often speaks frequently of her son who is far away.)
  • Anh ấy cứ nhắc nhỏm về chuyến du lịch năm ngoái. (He keeps recalling/reminiscing about last year's trip.)
  • Đừng nhắc nhỏm mãi về lỗi lầm cũ của cô ấy. (Don't keep reminding her of her past mistakes repeatedly.)

Advanced Usage

• The word nhắc nhỏm carries a nuanced emotional tone, often conveying nostalgia, concern, or gentle nagging. It is not merely a neutral "to mention" but implies a recurring, persistent thought or utterance.
• It is commonly used in contexts involving separation, memory, or gentle admonition.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhắc (verb): To remind, to mention. This is the root verb and is more general and neutral than nhắc nhỏm.
  • Nhắc tôi mang theo chìa khóa. (Remind me to bring the key.)
• Nhắc đi nhắc lại (phrase): To repeat over and over, to reiterate. This emphasizes repetition more strongly than nhắc nhỏm.
  • Cô giáo nhắc đi nhắc lại quy định. (The teacher repeated the rule over and over.)

Synonyms

• Nhớ đến (verb phrase): To remember, to think of.
• Nhắc đến (verb phrase): To mention, to refer to.
• Thường nhắc tới (verb phrase): To often mention.

Related Phrases

• Canh cánh nhắc nhỏm (idiomatic phrase): To be constantly preoccupied with worry or remembrance, to have something weighing on one's mind.
  • Bà mẹ canh cánh nhắc nhỏm đứa con đang ở nước ngoài. (The mother is constantly preoccupied with worry about her child who is abroad.)

1. Recall often, remind repeatedly, speak of frequently
   • Nhắc nhỏm đến người đi xa
     To speak frequently of someone gone away