nửa lời

Học thuật

Thân thiện

Hai người bạn thân, chỉ cần nói nửa lời là đã hiểu ý nhau.

Definition

Noun phrase:
- Half a word / a hint: Refers to an incomplete utterance or a subtle suggestion that is intentionally not fully expressed. The phrase implies that only a partial statement is necessary for understanding.
- A single word: In the negative construction "không nói nửa lời," it emphasizes the act of not speaking even a single word, indicating complete silence or refusal to speak.

Usage Examples

Noun phrase:
- Chúng tôi hiểu nhau, chỉ cần nói nửa lời là đủ. (We understand each other; only half a word is needed.)
- Cô ấy giận đến mức không nói nửa lời. (She was so angry that she didn't say a single word.)
- Anh ấy gợi ý nửa lời về kế hoạch mới. (He hinted at the new plan with just half a word.)

Advanced Usage

The phrase is most commonly used in set expressions that describe deep mutual understanding or, conversely, total silence.
It often functions idiomatically, where the literal meaning ("half a word") conveys a figurative concept (an implicit hint or complete absence of speech).

Variants and Related Words

Nói nửa lời: (verb phrase) to speak half a word; to hint.
- Anh ta chỉ nói nửa lời rồi dừng lại, chờ tôi hiểu ý. (He only spoke half a word then stopped, waiting for me to catch his meaning.)

Synonyms

Related Idioms

Nói nửa lời là hiểu: (To understand from half a word) To have such a close understanding that only a hint is needed.
- Hai chị em rất thân, nói nửa lời là hiểu. (The two sisters are very close; they understand each other from just a hint.)
Không nói nửa lời: (To not say half a word / To not say a single word) To remain completely silent.
- Trước mặt đám đông, cậu ấy không nói nửa lời. (In front of the crowd, he didn't utter a single word.)

Hai người bạn thân, chỉ cần nói nửa lời là đã hiểu ý nhau.