뜻
To refrain from saying something.
문화적 배경
In Mongolian culture, 'Amny beleg' (auspicious speech) is vital. People avoid saying negative things to prevent them from coming true. Biting one's tongue is a way to prevent 'Amny aldaa' (a slip of the mouth). Similar to other nomadic cultures in the region, silence is often equated with respect for hierarchy and age. A younger person 'biting their tongue' in front of an elder is a sign of good upbringing (хүмүүжил). On Mongolian social media (Facebook is huge there), 'хэлээ хазах' is often discussed in the context of 'keyboard warriors' and the need for more civil discourse. In Mongolian business, direct confrontation is often avoided in favor of 'face-saving.' Biting your tongue during a meeting and discussing issues privately later is a common strategy.
Use with 'Өнгөрөх'
To sound more native, add 'өнгөрөх' (to pass). It shows you successfully navigated a tricky moment.
Don't over-use
If you 'bite your tongue' too much, people might think you are shy or have no opinion. Balance is key!
뜻
To refrain from saying something.
Use with 'Өнгөрөх'
To sound more native, add 'өнгөрөх' (to pass). It shows you successfully navigated a tricky moment.
Don't over-use
If you 'bite your tongue' too much, people might think you are shy or have no opinion. Balance is key!
The Reflexive Suffix
Always remember the '-ээ' suffix. 'Хэл хазах' sounds like you are biting a random tongue on a plate!
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'хэлээ хазах'.
Би түүнд уурласан ч _________ дуугүй өнгөрсөн.
The form 'хазаад' (after biting) correctly links the two actions in a sequence.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Хэлээ хазах'?
Which of these is a figurative use of the idiom?
This involves social restraint, which is the core of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
А: Чи яагаад түүнд үнэнийг хэлээгүй юм бэ? Б: Би __________________.
The 'юм' at the end adds an explanatory tone, which is natural in response to a 'why' question.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'Хэлээ хазах' with its goal.
The idiom is primarily used for conflict avoidance.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Би түүнд уурласан ч _________ дуугүй өнгөрсөн.
The form 'хазаад' (after biting) correctly links the two actions in a sequence.
Which of these is a figurative use of the idiom?
This involves social restraint, which is the core of the idiom.
А: Чи яагаад түүнд үнэнийг хэлээгүй юм бэ? Б: Би __________________.
The 'юм' at the end adds an explanatory tone, which is natural in response to a 'why' question.
Match 'Хэлээ хазах' with its goal.
The idiom is primarily used for conflict avoidance.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it's actually the opposite. It implies you are being polite by not saying something potentially rude.
Yes, literally it means biting your tongue. Context will tell the listener if you are in pain or being silent.
'Амаа хамхих' is more like 'Shut your mouth.' It's more aggressive. 'Хэлээ хазах' is more about internal self-control.
You can say 'Би хэлээ хазах байсан юм.'
Yes, it's common in novels and journalism to describe a person's reaction.
It's one way to keep a secret, specifically the moment you almost tell it but stop.
Yes, 'Тэр хэлээ хазсан' (He bit his tongue).
Younger people might just say 'Дуугүй бол' (Be quiet) or 'Ssh!', but the idiom is still very popular.
It's more of an idiomatic expression than a full proverb, but it's used just as often.
Just say 'Би хэлээ хазчихлаа' (I accidentally bit my tongue). The 'чих' suffix adds the 'accidental' nuance.
관련 표현
Амаа хамхих
similarTo shut one's mouth.
Дуугүй байх
synonymTo be quiet.
Үг алдах
contrastTo let a word slip.
Хэлээ залгих
similarTo swallow one's tongue.
