The Vietnamese word "nghe lỏm" means "to overhear" in English. It refers to the act of listening to a conversation that you are not a part of, often without the speakers knowing that you are listening. People might "nghe lỏm" out of curiosity or interest in what others are saying.
Usage Instructions:
"Nghe lỏm" is generally used in informal contexts. It's often associated with situations where someone is trying to catch bits of information without being invited to the conversation.
It can have a slightly negative connotation, as it implies eavesdropping or invading someone’s privacy.
Example:
Vietnamese: Hôm qua, tôi nghe lỏm được một cuộc trò chuyện thú vị giữa hai người bạn.
English: Yesterday, I overheard an interesting conversation between two friends.
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "nghe lỏm" can be used to discuss situations in which someone gathers information subtly, perhaps in a business setting or when trying to learn about someone's feelings or opinions without directly asking them.
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
While "nghe lỏm" specifically means "to overhear," context can change its implications. For example, it might imply that the information overheard is sensitive or private.
Synonyms:
"Eavesdrop" (in English) has a similar meaning to "nghe lỏm."
In Vietnamese, you might also hear "nghe trộm," which also means to secretly listen in on someone else's conversation.