Definition

1. Verb:
   • To whisper / to murmur: To speak very softly and quietly, often in a low, hushed voice, typically so that only people very close by can hear.
   • To gossip in hushed tones / to talk about someone in whispers: To discuss someone or something, often in a secretive, critical, or disapproving manner, using quiet voices.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai đứa trẻ ngồi xầm xì với nhau ở góc lớp. (The two children sat whispering to each other in the corner of the classroom.)
  • Mọi người bắt đầu xầm xì về vụ bê bối của ông chủ. (People began to whisper about the boss's scandal.)
  • Đừng xầm xì phía sau lưng người khác. (Don't whisper behind someone else's back.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a connotation of secrecy, conspiracy, or spreading rumors. It is not merely neutral whispering but frequently implies the content of the talk is private, suspicious, or critical.
  • Cả phòng họp xầm xì bàn tán khi nghe tin đó. (The whole meeting room buzzed with whispered discussions upon hearing that news.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thì thầm (v): to whisper (generally more neutral or intimate, less often implying gossip).

  • Cô ấy thì thầm câu chuyện cổ tích cho con nghe. (She whispered a fairy tale to her child.)

• Bàn tán xì xào (idiomatic phrase): to gossip and chatter in low voices.

  • Dân làng bàn tán xì xào về gia đình mới. (The villagers gossiped in hushed tones about the new family.)

Synonyms

• Whisper: to speak very softly.
• Mutter: to speak in a low, often grumbling voice.
• Gossip: to talk about others, often about rumors or private matters.

Related Idioms

• Xầm xì xì xầm: An intensified, reduplicative form emphasizing continuous, secretive whispering or gossiping.
  • Họ ngồi cả buổi chỉ xầm xì xì xầm với nhau. (They sat for hours doing nothing but whispering and gossiping to each other.)