ngầm

[ŋəm˨˩]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(adjective) beneath the surface (underground; subterranean, underwater; subaquatic)

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(adjective) secret; covert; unspoken

Examples

cảnh sát ngầmundercover policeman

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sense 3

Meaning · English

(adverb) secretly; covertly; unspokenly

Examples

ngầm hiểuto understand something without being told

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “ngầm” mean?

(adjective) beneath the surface (underground; subterranean, underwater; subaquatic)

Is “ngầm” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.