bấm

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The Vietnamese word "bấm" is a versatile verb that primarily means "to press," "to touch," or "to feel." It can be used in various contexts, often involving physical interaction with objects or even signaling to others. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand how to use "bấm" effectively.

Basic Usage

1. Pressing a Button or Key

   • Example: bấm nút điện - This means "to press an electric button." For instance, when you want to turn on a light, you would "bấm nút điện."
   • Example: bấm phím đàn - This means "to touch a key on a musical instrument." If you play the piano, you will "bấm phím đàn" to create music.

2. Feeling an Object

   • Example: bấm quả ổi xem đã chín chưa - This translates to "to feel a guava to check if it is ripe." You can use this when you want to see if the fruit is soft enough to eat.

3. Interacting with Tools

   • Example: bấm đèn pin - This means "to press the button of a torch (flashlight)." You would do this to turn the light on.

Advanced Usage

1. Signaling or Communicating

   • Example: bấm nhau cười khúc khích - This means "to signal to each other by a touch of the finger and giggle." It describes a playful interaction.

2. Physical Stability

   • Example: bấm chân cho khỏi trượt - This means "to cling with one's toes to the ground to avoid slipping." This could be used when someone needs to maintain their balance on a slippery surface.

3. Derogatory Usage

   • Example: bấm ra sữa - This expression describes someone as looking like a suckling or a spring chicken, often used in a derogatory manner to imply immaturity or naivety.

Variants

• While "bấm" is commonly used on its own, it can also be found in compound phrases or with prefixes/suffixes to change its meaning slightly or to add nuance.

Synonyms

• Nhấn: This word also means "to press," but it can have a slightly different connotation, often implying a firmer or more deliberate action.
• Chạm: This means "to touch," which can be used in similar contexts but does not carry the connotation of pressing down as "bấm" does.

Different Meanings

• "Bấm" can mean different things depending on the context. It could refer to the act of gently touching (like feeling something) or pressing down on a surface (like a button). The context in which it is used is very important for understanding the intended meaning.

Summary

In summary, "bấm" is a useful word in Vietnamese that covers actions involving pressing, touching, and feeling. It can describe both light and firm interactions and is applicable in various situations, from everyday activities to playful interactions with others.

Academic

1. Press, touch, feel
   • Bấm nút điện
     To press an electric button
   • Bấm phím đàn
     To touch a key (on a musical instrument)
   • Bấm quả ổi xem đã chín chưa
     To feel a guava to make sure whether it is ripe or not
   • Bấm đèn pin
     To press the button of a torch, to flash a torch
   • Bấm nhau cười khúc khích
     To signal to each other by a touch of the finger anf giggle
2. Cling with
   • Bấm chân cho khỏi trượt
     To cling with one's toes to the ground to avoid slipping
   • Bấm ra sữa (nói về người)
     Suckling-like (derogatory), To look like a suckling, to look like a spring chicken