nhát ma
[ɲaːt̚˧˦ maː˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adjective) scary, meant to frighten
Adjective
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Đang nổi giận thì người kia nhăn nhở nhìn y cười một tiếng, chành môi lè lưỡi, làm ra vẻ nhát ma rồi quay lại vẫy tay với mọi người, té ra y là Nhị ca của họ.As he got angry, the other person looked at him with a boorish grin and gave a laugh; he opened his lips wide and stuck out his tongue, made a scary face and turned around waving to everyone; apparently he was their second brother.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “nhát ma” mean?
(adjective) scary, meant to frighten
Is “nhát ma” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.