rỉ răng
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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.)
- (thông tục) Wisper a word, breathe a word