đối khẩu

Hai người đàn ông đối khẩu với nhau trên đường phố.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To have a sharp verbal exchange; to exchange harsh words: The primary meaning of "đối khẩu" refers to two or more parties speaking to each other in a direct, confrontational, and often angry or contentious manner. It implies a heated verbal clash or argument.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai bên đối khẩu với nhau rất gay gắt trong cuộc họp. (The two sides had a very sharp verbal exchange during the meeting.)
  • Sau vụ va chạm, hai tài xế đứng đối khẩu ngay giữa đường. (After the collision, the two drivers stood exchanging harsh words right in the middle of the road.)

Advanced Usage

• Note on Usage: "Đối khẩu" is a relatively rare and formal term in modern Vietnamese, often found in literary or descriptive contexts rather than everyday conversation. It specifically describes the act of verbal confrontation itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Cãi nhau (v): to argue, to quarrel. This is the common, everyday term for having an argument.

  • Hai đứa trẻ đang cãi nhau về đồ chơi. (The two children are arguing over a toy.)

• Tranh cãi (v): to debate, to dispute, to contend. This often implies a debate or dispute over an issue, which can be less emotionally charged than "đối khẩu".

  • Các đại biểu tranh cãi về chính sách mới. (The delegates debated the new policy.)

Synonyms

• To exchange harsh words: to speak to each other in an angry and critical way.
• To have a verbal confrontation: a direct, opposed verbal encounter.
• To bicker: to argue about petty matters (though "bicker" is often less intense).

Related Idioms