Definition

Verb: - To speak indirectly or evasively, avoiding the main point or a direct answer. This often involves using many words without giving clear information, typically to avoid addressing a sensitive topic or admitting something.

Usage

This verb describes the action of communicating in a roundabout way. It is used when someone intentionally does not speak directly or clearly about an issue. - It is often used in a slightly negative or critical context, implying the speaker is being evasive or dishonest. - Common structures: "nói quanh (vấn đề/chuyện gì)" (to beat around the bush [about an issue/something]), "đừng nói quanh" (don't beat around the bush), "cứ nói quanh mãi" (to keep beating around the bush).

Usage Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • Anh ấy cứ nói quanh mà không chịu trả lời thẳng câu hỏi. (He keeps beating around the bush and refuses to answer the question directly.)
  • Đừng nói quanh nữa, hãy cho tôi biết sự thật đi. (Stop beating around the bush, tell me the truth.)
• With an Object:
  • Cô ấy nói quanh vấn đề lương bổng suốt buổi phỏng vấn. (She beat around the bush about the salary issue throughout the interview.)

Advanced Usage

• "nói quanh nói co": This is a common reduplicative phrase that emphasizes the act of being extremely evasive, talking in circles for a long time.
  • Anh ta nói quanh nói co cả tiếng đồng hồ mà chẳng đi đến đâu. (He talked in circles for a whole hour without getting anywhere.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nói vòng vo (verb): A near-synonym meaning "to talk in a roundabout way." It is often used interchangeably with "nói quanh."
  • Bài phát biểu của ông ấy nói vòng vo quá, khó hiểu ý chính. (His speech was too roundabout; it was hard to understand the main point.)
• Quanh co (adjective/adverb): Means roundabout, indirect, or evasive. It can describe speech or a path.
  • Lời giải thích quanh co của anh ta không thuyết phục được ai. (His evasive explanation didn't convince anyone.)

Synonyms

• Nói giảm nói tránh (verb phrase): To use euphemisms or soften one's words; to speak indirectly to avoid offense or a harsh truth. While related, it focuses more on softening rather than pure evasion.
• Lảng tránh (verb): To avoid or dodge (a topic or question).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Vòng vo tam quốc": An idiom meaning "to talk in a very long, complicated, and roundabout way," referencing the complex plot of the Chinese classic "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." It is stronger than "nói quanh."
  • Anh đừng có "vòng vo tam quốc" nữa, đi thẳng vào vấn đề đi. (Stop giving me the long, roundabout story; get to the point.)

verb

1. to beat about the bush