nghẹn lời

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The Vietnamese word "nghẹn lời" means "to be struck dumb" or "to be unable to speak" due to strong emotions, often feelings of sadness, joy, or surprise. When someone experiences an overwhelming emotion, they may find it hard to express themselves verbally, and that is when we use "nghẹn lời."

Usage Instructions

• You can use "nghẹn lời" when describing a situation where someone feels so emotional that they can’t find the words to say anything.
• It is often used in contexts related to heartfelt moments, such as during a wedding speech, at a funeral, or when receiving surprising news.

Example

• "Khi nghe tin mẹ mất, tôi cảm thấy nghẹn lời."
  • Translation: "When I heard the news of my mother's passing, I felt struck dumb with emotion."

Advanced Usage

• "Nghẹn lời" can also be used in literary contexts or poetry to convey deep feelings. For instance, a character in a novel might experience "nghẹn lời" upon seeing a long-lost friend.

Word Variants

• "Nghẹn" means "to choke" or "to be constricted," and "lời" means "words." Together, they literally imply a choking sensation that prevents words from coming out.
• Related phrases might include "khó nói" (hard to speak) or "không nói nên lời" (unable to speak).

Different Meanings

While "nghẹn lời" primarily refers to being silent due to emotions, it can also imply a feeling of being overwhelmed in other contexts, such as being speechless due to shock or disbelief.

Synonyms

• "Cảm động" – which means "touched" or "moved," often used to describe emotional reactions.
• "Bàng hoàng" – means "stunned" or "dazed," which can also convey a sense of being speechless, although it is less focused on emotional depth.

Academic

1. Be struck dumb (with emotion)
   • Cảm động nghẹn lời
     To be struck dumb with emotion