nghẹt

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The Vietnamese word "nghẹt" can be understood in a few different contexts, primarily relating to being "too tight" or "clogged." Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand and use this word.

Basic Meaning

1. Too tight: "Nghẹt" can describe something that is constricting or tight, making it difficult to breathe or function normally.

   • Example: "Cái cổ áo sơ mi này chật quá làm tôi nghẹt cổ." (This shirt collar is too tight; it is hard for me to breathe.)

2. Choked up or clogged up: It can also refer to something being blocked, preventing normal flow or movement, like water in a pipe.

   • Example: "Ống nước bị nghẹt, nước không chảy lên được." (The pipe is clogged up, and the water cannot flow through.)

Usage Instructions

• Use "nghẹt" when describing situations where something is too tight or when something is obstructed.
• It can be used in both physical contexts (like clothing or pipes) and in relation to feelings or situations (like feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty expressing emotions).

Advanced Usage

• In a figurative sense, "nghẹt" can also describe emotional states, such as feeling choked up or unable to express oneself due to strong emotions.
  • Example: "Tôi cảm thấy nghẹt khi nói về vấn đề này." (I feel choked up when talking about this issue.)

Word Variants

• "Nghẹt thở": This means "to suffocate" or "to choke," specifically referring to a lack of air.
• "Nghẹt mũi": This translates to "nasal congestion," meaning a blocked nose.

Different Meanings

• While "nghẹt" primarily conveys the ideas of tightness or blockage, it can also imply feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to express thoughts or emotions clearly.

Synonyms

• For "too tight":

  • "chật" (tight)
  • "khó chịu" (uncomfortable)

• For "clogged up":

  • "tắc" (blocked)
  • "bị kẹt" (jammed)

Summary

The word "nghẹt" is versatile, describing both physical conditions (like tight clothing or clogged pipes) and emotional states (like feeling overwhelmed). It is important to understand the context to use it correctly.

Academic

1. Too tight, strangling
   • Cái cổ áo sơ mi này chật quá làm tôi nghẹt cổ
     This shirt collar is too tight, it is hard to shut it
2. Choked up, clogged up
   • ống nước bị nghẹt, nước không chảy lên dược
     The pipe is choed up and does not let the water though