nuốt nước bọt
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To swallow one's saliva: The literal action of moving saliva from the mouth down the throat.
- To swallow hard: To perform this action, often conspicuously, as an involuntary reaction to strong desire, nervousness, fear, or anticipation.
Usage Examples
- Literal action:
- Anh ấy nuốt nước bọt trước khi nói. (He swallowed his saliva before speaking.)
- Reaction to desire:
- Nhìn món ăn thơm phức, tôi chỉ biết nuốt nước bọt. (Looking at the delicious food, I could only swallow hard.)
- Reaction to nervousness:
- Cô ấy nuốt nước bọt khi nghe tin khó tin. (She swallowed hard upon hearing the unbelievable news.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used figuratively to vividly depict a moment of suppressed emotion, unfulfilled craving, or tense anticipation. It emphasizes an internal struggle that is physically manifested.
Variants and Related Words
- Nuốt nước miếng (verb phrase): A common variant with identical meaning (to swallow one's saliva).
- Nuốt nước rãi (verb phrase): A less common variant with identical meaning.
Synonyms
- To gulp: To swallow hastily, loudly, or in large amounts, often due to emotion.
- To salivate: To produce saliva, especially in response to food or desire; often used in the context of "mouth-watering."
Related Idioms
- Thèm nhỏ dãi / Thèm chảy nước miếng: To drool with desire; to want something very much.
- Thấy bánh ngon, đứa trẻ thèm chảy nước miếng. (Seeing the delicious cake, the child drooled with desire.)
- Kìm nén cảm xúc: To suppress one's emotions, which is often the context for "nuốt nước bọt."