Signification
Describing a hypocritical or two-faced person
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the 'Village Culture' where social harmony is paramount, making hidden betrayal particularly loathed. Using 'Nam mô' shows how deeply Buddhist terminology is woven into the secular moral fabric of Vietnam. In a society where you must 'save face,' this idiom acts as a warning that 'face' can be a mask. This idiom is a staple in 'Ca dao' (folk songs) and 'Truyện Kiều,' the national epic, to describe villainous characters.
Use for Villains
This is the perfect phrase to describe the 'bad guy' in a Vietnamese drama.
Strong Accusation
Don't use this lightly; it's a serious insult to someone's character.
Signification
Describing a hypocritical or two-faced person
Use for Villains
This is the perfect phrase to describe the 'bad guy' in a Vietnamese drama.
Strong Accusation
Don't use this lightly; it's a serious insult to someone's character.
The 'Belly' is the Heart
In Vietnamese culture, the 'bụng' (belly) is often where thoughts and feelings are stored, not the head.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom.
Miệng nam mô, bụng một bồ _______.
The correct traditional weapon used in this idiom is 'dao găm' (dagger).
Which situation best describes 'miệng nam mô bụng một bồ dao găm'?
A person who...
The idiom specifically targets the contrast between outward piety and inward malice.
Fill in the dialogue with the appropriate idiom.
Lan: 'Anh ấy luôn nói lời hay ý đẹp, sao bạn lại ghét anh ấy?' - Hoa: 'Vì anh ta là kẻ _______.'
Hoa is explaining why she dislikes someone who 'always says good things'—implying they are fake.
Match the component to its symbolic meaning.
1. Miệng Nam mô, 2. Bụng, 3. Dao găm
Mouth/Namo = Exterior/Piety; Belly = Interior/Thoughts; Dagger = Malice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMiệng nam mô, bụng một bồ _______.
The correct traditional weapon used in this idiom is 'dao găm' (dagger).
A person who...
The idiom specifically targets the contrast between outward piety and inward malice.
Lan: 'Anh ấy luôn nói lời hay ý đẹp, sao bạn lại ghét anh ấy?' - Hoa: 'Vì anh ta là kẻ _______.'
Hoa is explaining why she dislikes someone who 'always says good things'—implying they are fake.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Mouth/Namo = Exterior/Piety; Belly = Interior/Thoughts; Dagger = Malice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is a strong criticism. Use it only when you are sure of someone's bad intentions.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. It applies to anyone.
It's a large bamboo basket. It implies a huge amount of hidden malice.
Sometimes people just say 'loại miệng nam mô' to imply the rest.
Only in the sense that it uses a Buddhist prayer as a symbol of a 'good' mask.
Absolutely not. It's too informal and aggressive.
'A wolf in sheep's clothing' is the closest match.
Yes, it means 'dagger.' It's common in literature and action movies.
In old Vietnamese, the belly (bụng/lòng) was considered the center of emotions and secrets.
Yes, if the company claims to be ethical but acts unethically.
Yes, it has been used for hundreds of years in Vietnamese folklore.
Like 'Nam' (as in Vietnam) and 'Mo' (as in more, but shorter).
Expressions liées
Khẩu phật tâm xà
synonymMouth of a Buddha, heart of a snake.
Thảo mai
similarTo be fake or plastic.
Ăn không nói có
similarTo lie or make things up.
Hiền như bụt
contrastAs gentle as a Buddha.
Thẳng như ruột ngựa
contrastStraight as a horse's intestine.
