मतलब
Like-minded people tend to associate together
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The use of 'Ngưu' (Ox) and 'Mã' (Horse) reflects the two most important animals in ancient Vietnamese agriculture. The ox was for the rice fields, and the horse was for transport and war. Their separation in the field was a basic fact of life. This idiom reinforces the idea that one's social circle defines their moral standing. In a collectivist society, being part of the 'wrong' group can bring shame to one's entire family. In modern 'V-biz' (Vietnamese showbiz) drama, this phrase is used constantly by netizens to criticize celebrities who associate with controversial figures. Famous Vietnamese satirists like Vũ Trọng Phụng used this idiom to mock the 'new rich' and corrupt officials of the colonial era who banded together to exploit others.
Watch your tone
Using this about someone's friends can be seen as a direct insult to their character. Only use it when you intend to be critical or with very close friends as a joke.
The 'Đúng là' trick
Start the sentence with 'Đúng là...' (It truly is...) to sound like a native speaker delivering a wise observation.
मतलब
Like-minded people tend to associate together
Watch your tone
Using this about someone's friends can be seen as a direct insult to their character. Only use it when you intend to be critical or with very close friends as a joke.
The 'Đúng là' trick
Start the sentence with 'Đúng là...' (It truly is...) to sound like a native speaker delivering a wise observation.
Sino-Vietnamese Roots
Remember that 'Ngưu' and 'Mã' are formal words. In normal speech, you'd say 'con bò' and 'con ngựa', but never in this idiom!
खुद को परखो
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
Ngưu tầm ______, mã tầm ______.
The correct idiom uses the Sino-Vietnamese words: Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã'?
Choose the best context:
The idiom is most commonly used to describe people with similar (often negative) habits hanging out together.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Sao mấy đứa hay quậy phá đó lại chơi thân với nhau thế nhỉ?' B: 'Thì ___________ mà.'
While 'Nồi nào úp vung nấy' is similar, 'Ngưu tầm ngưu mã tầm mã' is the most natural fit for a group of friends with similar bad behavior.
🎉 स्कोर: /3
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
3 अभ्यासNgưu tầm ______, mã tầm ______.
The correct idiom uses the Sino-Vietnamese words: Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã.
Choose the best context:
The idiom is most commonly used to describe people with similar (often negative) habits hanging out together.
A: 'Sao mấy đứa hay quậy phá đó lại chơi thân với nhau thế nhỉ?' B: 'Thì ___________ mà.'
While 'Nồi nào úp vung nấy' is similar, 'Ngưu tầm ngưu mã tầm mã' is the most natural fit for a group of friends with similar bad behavior.
🎉 स्कोर: /3
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
5 सवालYes, but rarely. It's usually 80% negative/sarcastic and 20% neutral. If you use it for good people, it might sound like you're calling them a 'clique'.
No. The order is fixed. Oxen come first, then horses.
'Birds of a feather flock together' is the closest match.
Not at all! It's used daily in news, social media, and casual conversation.
Yes, 'tầm' (尋) is a formal word for 'to seek' or 'to find'.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Nồi nào úp vung nấy
similarWhichever pot, that lid.
Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng
similarNear ink you're black, near light you're bright.
Đồng bệnh tương lân
similarThose with the same illness pity each other.
Khác máu lòng dè
contrastDifferent blood, suspicious heart.
