ngăm

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The Vietnamese word "ngăm" has several meanings and uses, making it an interesting word to learn. Let's break it down for you!

Basic Meaning

1. To Threaten or Intimidate: One of the primary meanings of "ngăm" is to threaten or intimidate someone. For example:
   • Ngăm trả thù: This means "to threaten revenge." It implies that someone is warning another person about possible retaliation.

Usage Instructions

When using "ngăm" in the context of threatening, it's often employed in situations where one person is warning another about potential consequences of their actions.

Example Sentences

• Anh ta ngăm sẽ trả thù nếu tôi không giúp anh ấy.
  • Translation: "He threatened that he would take revenge if I didn’t help him."

Advanced Usage

1. Tawny or Dark Complexion: "Ngăm" can also describe a complexion, particularly a tawny or dark one. For example:
   • Nước da ngăm đen: This means "to have a tawny complexion."
   • This usage is often found in descriptions of skin tone in a positive light.

Example Sentences

• Cô ấy có nước da ngăm đen rất đẹp.
  • Translation: "She has a very beautiful tawny complexion."

Word Variants

• Ngăm ngăm: This is a reduplicated form of "ngăm." It can be used in a more playful or informal context, often to soften the meaning. It may imply a slight or lesser degree of the original meaning.

Different Meanings

• As mentioned, "ngăm" can refer both to a threatening behavior and to a description of complexion. It's important to understand the context in which it is used to grasp its meaning fully.

Synonyms

• For the threatening meaning:

  • Dọa: This also means "to threaten."

• For the complexion meaning:

  • Da nâu: This means "brown skin," which can be similar to describing a tawny complexion.

Summary

The word "ngăm" is versatile in Vietnamese, with meanings that can indicate a threatening demeanor or describe a specific skin tone.

Academic

1. Threaten, intimidate
   • Ngăm trả thù
     To threaten revenge
2. Tawny
   • Nước da ngăm đen
     To have a tawny complexion
   • Ngăm ngăm (láy, ý giảm)