ngấp nghé
verb
Hanoi [ŋəp̚˧˦ ŋɛ˧˦]Huế [ŋəp̚˦˧˥ ŋɛ˨˩˦]Saigon [ŋəp̚˦˥ ŋɛ˦˥] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
ngấp nghé means to approach hesitantly; to hover near; to sneak a peek at.
Meanings of ngấp nghé in English
Verb
- to approach hesitantly; to hover near; to sneak a peek at
- đứng ngấp nghé ngoài cổngto stand hesitantly outside the gate
- to show romantic interest in; to eye flirtatiously; to make a move on shyly
- được nhiều chàng trai ngấp nghéto be eyed by many young men
- rare to nearly reach, near ≈ mấp mé
- tuổi ngấp nghé 80to near the age of 80
Historical script (chữ Nôm / Hán)
Before the Latin alphabet (chữ Quốc ngữ) became standard, ngấp nghé could be written as 岌睨, 𥄫𥊘, 𥈲犠. Today Vietnamese is written only in the Latin alphabet.
Etymology
From -âp reduplication of nghé (“to glance”).
Frequently asked questions
What does ngấp nghé mean in English?
ngấp nghé (verb) means "to approach hesitantly; to hover near; to sneak a peek at".
How do you pronounce ngấp nghé?
IPA: Hanoi [ŋəp̚˧˦ ŋɛ˧˦]; Saigon [ŋəp̚˦˥ ŋɛ˦˥]. Tones: ngấp — rising tone (sắc), nghé — rising tone (sắc).