giỏng tai

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The Vietnamese word "giỏng tai" is a verb that means "to prick up one's ears." This expression is used when someone becomes particularly attentive or listens carefully to something that has caught their interest or curiosity.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "giỏng tai" when describing a situation where someone is making an effort to hear something better or when they are suddenly alert to a sound or conversation.

Example:

• Simple Example:
  • "Khi nghe thấy tiếng gọi, cô ấy giỏng tai lên để nghe rõ hơn."
  • (When she heard the call, she pricked up her ears to listen more closely.)

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "giỏng tai" can also imply a sense of being alert to gossip or important information. For instance, if someone is eavesdropping or trying to catch snippets of conversation, you might say they are "giỏng tai."

Word Variants:

There are no direct variants of "giỏng tai," but it can be used in different tenses or forms depending on the context: - "Giỏng tai nghe" (pricking up the ears to listen) - "Đã giỏng tai" (had pricked up the ears)

Different Meanings:

While "giỏng tai" primarily refers to the action of becoming attentive, in some contexts, it can also imply being overly curious or nosy, especially when someone is trying to overhear something that is not meant for them.

Academic

verb

1. to prick up one's ears