Definition

1. Verb (colloquial):
   • To whisper a word; to breathe a word: To speak very quietly or to disclose a secret in a hushed manner. This term is almost exclusively used in negative constructions to emphasize that someone did not speak at all or reveal any information.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nó ngồi im, không rỉ răng nửa lời. (He sat still, not uttering a single word.)
  • Cô ấy hứa giữ bí mật và sẽ không rỉ răng với ai. (She promised to keep the secret and would not breathe a word to anyone.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is inherently negative. Its primary function is to describe a state of complete silence or refusal to speak, often under pressure or about a sensitive matter.
  • Bị tra hỏi, nhưng nghi phạm nhất quyết không rỉ răng. (Under interrogation, the suspect stubbornly refused to say a word.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rỉ tai (v): to whisper (into someone's ear), often to share gossip or a secret.
  • Họ đang rỉ tai nhau về chuyện đó. (They are whispering to each other about that matter.)

Synonyms

• To keep mum: to remain silent.
• To not utter a word: to say nothing.
• To keep quiet: to refrain from speaking.

Related Idioms

• Câm như hến: (to be) as silent as a clam; meaning completely mute or refusing to speak.
  • Cả buổi họp, anh ta câm như hến. (Throughout the meeting, he was as silent as a clam.)

1. (thông tục) Wisper a word, breathe a word