nói vụng
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To speak furtively / to talk secretly: The phrase "nói vụng" refers to the act of speaking to someone in a hushed, secretive, or stealthy manner, typically to share private information without others noticing or overhearing.
- To whisper privately: It implies a conversation held in a low voice, often with an element of confidentiality or conspiracy.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Hai đứa trẻ đang nói vụng với nhau ở góc lớp. (The two children are whispering secretly to each other in the corner of the classroom.)
- Đừng nói vụng sau lưng người khác. (Don't talk furtively behind someone else's back.)
- Họ ngồi nói vụng về kế hoạch bất ngờ. (They sat whispering privately about the surprise plan.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the conversation is meant to be hidden because it might contain gossip, a secret, or a plot.
Variants and Related Words
Nói lén (verb phrase): to talk stealthily, to speak behind someone's back. This is a very close synonym.
- Cô ấy không thích người khác nói lén về mình. (She doesn't like others talking stealthily about her.)
Thì thầm (verb): to whisper. This is a more neutral term for speaking very softly.
- Họ thì thầm để không đánh thức em bé. (They whispered so as not to wake the baby.)
Synonyms
- To whisper secretly
- To talk furtively
- To converse in hushed tones
Related Idioms
- Nói vụng không qua được tường: Literally "secret talk cannot pass through a wall," similar to "walls have ears," meaning secret conversations can be overheard.
- Cẩn thận, nói vụng không qua được tường đâu. (Be careful, walls have ears.)