nhát

[ɲaːt̚˧˦]

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(adjective) shy; timid

Sources & notes

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

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(adjective) easily scared; timorous; cowardly; chicken

Examples

nhát như thỏ đếcowardly like a rabbit
Nói sợ thì nó chê mình nhát, mà nói không thì không đúng.If I said I'm afraid, he would call me chicken, and if I didn't it wouldn't be true.

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sense 3

Meaning · English

(verb) to scare someone

Where it’s used: Used Miền Nam · Southern Vietnam • Wiktionary labels this sense “Southern”

Sense 4

Meaning · English

(noun) slash, slit or stab (with a sharp weapon)

Examples

Hắn đâm nạn nhân năm nhát.He stabbed the victim five stabs.

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “nhát” mean?

(adjective) shy; timid

Is “nhát” formal or informal?

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