nghẹt thở

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The Vietnamese word "nghẹt thở" has a few meanings and can be used in different contexts. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning

1. Literal Meaning: "Nghẹt thở" translates to "nearly strangled" or "suffocated" in English. It describes a feeling of being unable to breathe properly, often due to physical constraints or overwhelming situations.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "nghẹt thở" to describe situations where someone feels they can’t get enough air. For example, if you're wearing a shirt that's too tight, you might say: "Bị nghẹt thở vì áo chật quá" (I'm nearly strangled because the shirt is too tight).
• It can also describe a stifling or oppressive atmosphere, such as in a crowded room or a hot day where the air feels heavy.

Examples

1. Physical Context:
   • "Tôi cảm thấy nghẹt thở khi chạy bộ quá nhanh." (I feel suffocated when I run too fast.)
2. Atmospheric Context:
   • "Không khí ở đây thật nghẹt thở." (The atmosphere here is really oppressive.)

Advanced Usage

• You can use "nghẹt thở" metaphorically to describe emotional states. For example, when someone feels overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, you might say: "Tôi cảm thấy nghẹt thở với áp lực công việc." (I feel suffocated by work pressure.)

Word Variants

• Nghẹt thở can be used in different forms:
  • Nghẹt (suffocated)
  • Thở (to breathe)
• You can also create phrases with "nghẹt thở" to describe specific situations, like "trò chơi nghẹt thở" (a thrilling game) when talking about an exciting or suspenseful experience.

Different Meanings

• While "nghẹt thở" primarily conveys suffocation, it can also imply feelings of being overwhelmed or restricted in various contexts, whether physically or emotionally.

Academic

1. Nearly strangled, suffocated
   • Bị nghẹt thở vì áo chật quá
     The shirt is too tight, so one is nearly strangled
2. Oppressive
   • Không khí nghẹt thở
     An oppressive atmossphere