Definition

1. 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.)

verb

1. buzz, whisper