tiếc lời
Definition
- Adjective / Adverbial Phrase:
- To be sparing with words; to be reluctant to speak: Describes a deliberate or habitual restraint in speaking, often due to shyness, caution, or a reserved nature.
- To not spare words; to speak freely and abundantly (used in the negative form "không tiếc lời"): When used with a negative like "không" (not), it means the opposite: to speak generously, without holding back, often in contexts of praise, criticism, or strong expression.
Usage Examples
- Adjective / Adverbial Phrase:
- Cô ấy rất tiếc lời, hiếm khi nói chuyện phiếm. (She is very sparing with words, rarely engaging in small talk.)
- Ông chủ không tiếc lời khen ngợi nhân viên xuất sắc. (The boss did not spare words in praising the excellent employee.)
- Anh ta mắng đứa trẻ không tiếc lời. (He scolded the child without holding back.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is most commonly and powerfully used in the negative construction "không tiếc lời" to emphasize a full, unreserved expression of something, whether positive (praise, thanks) or negative (criticism, reprimand).
- It can function descriptively like an adjective (e.g., - a person who is sparing with words) or as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb (e.g., - to praise unreservedly).
Variants and Related Words
- Tiếc (v): to regret, to feel sorry for, to be reluctant to part with. This is the root verb, conveying a sense of valuing something and being hesitant to use or lose it. "Tiếc lời" applies this concept to speech.
- Ít nói (adj): taciturn, quiet. A close synonym for "tiếc lời" in its primary sense.
- Dè sẻn lời nói (v): to be stingy with words. A more literal synonym.
Synonyms
- To be taciturn / reticent (for "tiếc lời").
- To be unreserved / effusive / lavish with praise/criticism (for "không tiếc lời").
- To not hold back (one's words).
Related Idioms
- Tiếc lời chào: To be reluctant to even say a greeting; to be extremely uncommunicative or standoffish.
- Hàng xóm mới sống khép kín, tiếc lời chào. (The new neighbor lives secluded, reluctant to even offer a greeting.)