ậm ừ
Definition
- Interjection/Verb:
- To hem and haw; to mumble non-committally: The primary meaning of "ậm ừ" is to make vague, indecisive sounds (like "uh-huh," "um," "er") instead of giving a clear, direct answer. It indicates hesitation, reluctance to speak, or an attempt to avoid giving a definite opinion or commitment.
Usage Examples
- Interjection/Verb:
- Khi được hỏi, anh ta chỉ biết ậm ừ. (When asked, he could only hem and haw.)
- Đừng có ậm ừ nữa, trả lời thẳng đi! (Stop mumbling evasively, give a straight answer!)
Advanced Usage
- "ậm à ậm ừ": This is an intensified form, indicating even more hesitation, stammering, or beating around the bush.
- Cậu ấy ậm à ậm ừ mãi mà không nói ra được điều gì. (He hemmed and hawed for a long time without saying anything substantive.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ngập ngừng (v): to hesitate, to falter (often in speech or action).
- Cô ấy ngập ngừng trước câu hỏi khó. (She hesitated before the difficult question.)
Synonyms
- To prevaricate: to avoid giving a direct or honest answer.
- To equivocate: to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.
- To stall: to delay or avoid answering.
Related Idioms
- Trả lời ậm ừ cho xong chuyện: To give a non-committal answer just to be done with the matter.
- Anh ấy không quan tâm nên chỉ trả lời ậm ừ cho xong chuyện. (He wasn't interested, so he just gave a vague answer to end the conversation.)