nói trống
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To speak vaguely / to talk in generalities: To speak without specifying a clear subject, target, or recipient. The speech is abstract, not aimed at anyone or anything in particular.
- To make indirect remarks: To say something without naming names or pointing directly at a person, often implying criticism or a message meant for someone to overhear without a direct confrontation.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Anh ấy chỉ nói trống về vấn đề quản lý chung chung. (He only spoke vaguely about management issues in general.)
- Đừng nói trống thế, hãy nói thẳng ai là người làm điều đó. (Don't be so indirect, say straight out who did it.)
- Cô ấy nói trống vài câu về sự thiếu trách nhiệm, hy vọng mọi người tự hiểu. (She made a few indirect remarks about irresponsibility, hoping everyone would understand.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a nuance of criticism, complaint, or passive-aggressive communication. The speaker avoids direct responsibility or confrontation by not identifying a specific target.
- It can be used when someone is "thinking out loud" or expressing general frustration without intending to address it to a specific listener.
Variants and Related Words
- Nói bóng gió (v): To speak allusively or insinuatingly; to hint at something without stating it directly. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with .
- Anh ta nói bóng gió về chuyện có người đi làm muộn. (He hinted allusively about someone coming to work late.)
- Nói mát (v): To make a sarcastic or snide remark, often indirectly.
- Cô ấy nói mát về bộ váy mới của đồng nghiệp. (She made a snide remark about her colleague's new dress.)
Synonyms
- To speak in general terms
- To make vague statements
- To talk around a subject
- To imply
Related Idioms
- Nói để người ta biết thân: To speak (indirectly) so that people know their place. This idiom describes the act of or with the specific intention of putting someone in their place or delivering a veiled warning.
- Ông chủ nói vài câu để người ta biết thân về hiệu quả công việc. (The boss made a few remarks so people would know their place regarding work performance.)