nỏ miệng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Unable to speak, speechless (due to anger, shame, or being at a loss for words): "nỏ miệng" describes a state where a person cannot speak or respond, often because they are overwhelmed by strong emotions like anger, embarrassment, or frustration, or because they have no valid argument left.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy bị mọi người chất vấn đến nỗi nỏ miệng, không biết trả lời thế nào. (He was questioned by everyone to the point of being speechless, not knowing how to respond.)
- Nghe lời lẽ xúc phạm ấy, bà ta tức đến nỏ miệng. (Hearing those insulting words, she was so angry she was left speechless.)
- Sau khi bị phát hiện nói dối, nó chỉ đứng nỏ miệng nhìn mọi người. (After being caught lying, he just stood there speechless, looking at everyone.)
Advanced Usage
- This word is considered informal and is often used in spoken Vietnamese or in narratives to vividly depict a character's state of being utterly unable to retort or speak.
- It carries a connotation of being defeated in a verbal exchange or being morally cornered.
Variants and Related Words
- Nỏ mồm: This is a direct variant with the same meaning and usage as "nỏ miệng". Both are used interchangeably.
- Câm như hến (idiom): To be as mute as a clam; meaning completely silent or speechless.
- Lặng thinh: To fall silent, to become quiet.
- Bí từ: To be at a loss for words.
Synonyms
- Câm lặng: Silent, mute.
- Không nói được gì: Unable to say anything.
- Bất lực không thể đáp lại: Powerless to respond.
Related Idioms
- Nỏ miệng nỏ mồm: A reinforced form using both variants for emphasis, meaning completely and utterly speechless.
- Bị bắt tại trận, tên trộm nỏ miệng nỏ mồm. (Caught red-handed, the thief was completely speechless.)
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như nỏ mồm
