chém

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The Vietnamese word "chém" is a versatile verb that can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand and use it effectively.

Basic Meaning:

1. To Cut: "Chém" primarily means to cut or slice something, often with a sharp object like a sword or knife.

   • Example: "Chém trái cây" means "to cut fruit."

2. To Guillotine: It can also refer to the act of executing someone by beheading, especially using a guillotine.

   • Example: "Chém đầu" means "to cut off (someone’s) head."

Colloquial Usage:

1. To Sting or Overcharge: In informal contexts, "chém" can mean to overcharge someone or take advantage of them financially.

   • Example: "Chỉ đáng một đồng mà bị chém ba đồng" translates to "It's only worth one dong but I was charged three dong."

2. To Attach Importance: It can also describe putting more importance on substance rather than form.

   • Example: "Chém to kho mặn" means "to place more value on the content rather than the presentation."

3. To Cut In: In conversations, "chém" can mean to interrupt or interject.

   • Example: "Ngồi nghe thỉnh thoảng chém vào một câu" means "to listen and occasionally cut in with a sentence."

Advanced Usage:

• Chém tợn: This phrase means to charge excessively or take advantage of someone significantly, often used in the context of businesses.
• Chém tre không dè đầu mặt: This expression implies doing something without regard for others’ feelings or opinions.

Word Variants:

• Chêm: This is a related verb meaning "to wedge" or "to cut in."
  • Example: "Chêm cán cuốc" means "to wedge a hoe handle."

Synonyms:

• Cắt: This is another verb meaning "to cut," which may be used in more general contexts.
• Chặt: This means "to chop," usually used for cutting larger items like wood.

Different Meanings:

• "Chém" can have both literal and figurative meanings, so context is essential to understand what is meant. It can refer to physical cutting, financial exploitation, or conversational interruptions.

Summary:

The word "chém" is rich in meaning and usage. Whether you are talking about cutting something physically, discussing financial matters, or interacting in conversations, understanding its context will help you use it correctly.

Academic

verb

1. To cut (with a sword..), to guillotine
   • chém đầu
     to cut off (someone's) head
   • xử chém
     to execute by the guillotine
2. To sting, to stick it on
   • chỉ đáng một đồng mà bị chém ba đồng
     to be stung for three dong for something worth one dong
   • quán này chém tợn
     this inn sticks it on
   • chém to kho mặn
     to attach more importance to substance than to form
   • chém tre không dè đầu mặt
     to do something with little regard for the feeling of the people concerned
3. chêm

verb

1. To wedge
   • chêm cán cuốc
     to wedge a hoe handle
2. To cut in
   • ngồi nghe thỉnh thoảng chêm vào một câu
     to listen and cut in from time to time with a sentence

noun

1. Wedge