chập chờn

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The Vietnamese word "chập chờn" is primarily used as a verb and describes a state of being in between sleeping and waking. It can refer to someone who is dozing off lightly or experiencing a sleep that is not deep and is easily interrupted.

Meaning:

1. To doze lightly - This suggests a sleep that is not continuous or restful.
2. To flicker - It can also describe the way something changes or moves lightly and intermittently, like a light that is about to go out.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "chập chờn" when talking about sleep that is not deep or very restful.
• It can also be used metaphorically to describe fleeting thoughts or images that come and go quickly.

Examples:

1. Mỗi đêm chỉ chập chờn được vài ba tiếng đồng hồ.

   • Translation: "I can only doze a few hours every night."

2. Giấc ngủ chập chờn khiến tôi mệt mỏi.

   • Translation: "A broken sleep makes me tired."

3. Ánh lửa chập chờn như sắp tắt.

   • Translation: "The glow flickered as if it was going out."

4. Những hình ảnh của quê hương cứ chập chờn trước mắt.

   • Translation: "Images of the native land flickered before his eyes."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "chập chờn" can be used to describe a lack of clarity or consistency in thoughts, feelings, or images. For example, "Tâm trí tôi chập chờn giữa những ký ức vui và buồn." (My mind flickered between happy and sad memories.)

Word Variants:

• Chập chờn can also be used in different grammatical forms, such as adjectives (e.g., "giấc ngủ chập chờn" - broken sleep) or in various expressions to convey a similar sense of instability or flickering.

Different Meanings:

While the primary meanings relate to sleep and flickering, it can also metaphorically apply to situations or emotions that are unstable or fluctuating, like a "chập chờn" mood that shifts rapidly.

Synonyms:

• Lờ đờ (drowsy)
• Mơ màng (dreamy)
• Chập chờn can also relate to other terms describing a lack of focus or clarity, such as "loãng" (thin or diluted).

Academic

verb

1. To doze
   • mỗi đêm chỉ chập chờn được vài ba tiếng đồng hồ
     to doze a few hours every night
   • giấc ngủ chập chờn
     a broken sleep
2. To flicker
   • ánh lửa chập chờn như sắp tắt
     the glow flickered as if it was going out
   • những hình ảnh của quê hương cứ chập chờn trước mắt
     images of the native land flickered before his eyes