xì xào
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To whisper, to murmur: To speak very softly and quietly, often in a way that is difficult for others to hear clearly.
- To buzz, to gossip: To talk in low, hushed tones, typically among a small group, often about rumors, secrets, or critical comments about someone or something.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hai đứa trẻ ngồi xì xào ở góc lớp. (The two children sat whispering in the corner of the classroom.)
- Mọi người bắt đầu xì xào về vụ bê bối của ông chủ. (People began to buzz about the boss's scandal.)
- Đám đông xì xào bàn tán sau khi nghe tin. (The crowd murmured and discussed after hearing the news.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often implies a collective, hushed conversation, carrying a connotation of secrecy, rumor-mongering, or mild scandal. It is rarely used for a single person whispering to another in a neutral context.
- Cả phòng họp xì xào không đồng ý với quyết định đó. (The whole meeting room buzzed with disapproval of that decision.)
Variants and Related Words
Thì thầm (v): To whisper (often more intimate or neutral, less gossipy than "xì xào").
- Cô ấy thì thầm kể cho tôi nghe một bí mật. (She whispered a secret to me.)
Bàn tán (v): To discuss, to talk about (can be louder and more open than "xì xào").
- Dân làng bàn tán xôn xao về sự việc. (The villagers heatedly discussed the incident.)
Synonyms
- Whisper: to speak very softly.
- Murmur: to make a low, continuous, indistinct sound.
- Buzz: to talk with a low, humming sound, often indicating gossip.
- Gossip: to engage in casual or idle talk about others.
Related Idioms and Phrases
Xì xào bàn tán: To whisper and discuss (often used together for emphasis).
- Tin đồn khiến cả cơ quan xì xào bàn tán cả tuần. (The rumor caused the whole office to whisper and discuss for a week.)
Tiếng xì xào: The sound/act of whispering or murmuring.
- Tiếng xì xào trong hội trường ngày càng to. (The murmuring in the hall grew louder.)