nói leo
Definition
- Verb:
- To interrupt / to butt in: The primary meaning of "nói leo" is to speak out of turn, especially by interrupting a conversation, particularly when a person of lower status (like a child) speaks without permission to a person of higher status (like a parent or elder).
- To chime in uninvited: It describes the act of interjecting a comment or opinion when one is not being addressed or when it is not one's place to speak.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Con không được nói leo khi người lớn đang trò chuyện. (You must not interrupt when adults are talking.)
- Cậu bé hay nói leo trong giờ học. (The boy often butts in during class.)
- Cô ấy nói leo vào cuộc thảo luận của chúng tôi. (She chimed in uninvited to our discussion.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a negative connotation, implying a breach of social etiquette or hierarchy. It is frequently used to correct children's behavior.
Variants and Related Words
- Cắt ngang / Ngắt lời (v): to interrupt, to cut someone off. These are more general, neutral terms for interruption, while "nói leo" specifically implies impropriety.
- Xin lỗi vì đã cắt ngang bạn. (Sorry for interrupting you.)
Synonyms
- To interrupt: To stop a person who is speaking by saying or doing something.
- To butt in: To interrupt a conversation or activity impolitely.
- To speak out of turn: To speak at an inappropriate time.
Related Idioms
- While "nói leo" itself is the common idiom, a related concept is:
- Nhảy vào họng người khác: (lit. to jump into someone else's throat) - a vivid idiom for interrupting someone harshly.
- Đừng có nhảy vào họng tôi như thế! (Don't interrupt me so rudely like that!)