The Vietnamese word "cầm càng" is an informal term that has a couple of meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
Pull a cart: This is the literal meaning, where "cầm" refers to holding or pulling, and "càng" refers to a cart or a vehicle. In this sense, it can be used to describe someone physically pulling a cart.
Conduct (a band, an orchestra): In a musical context, "cầm càng" refers to the act of conducting a musical group, such as a band or an orchestra. The conductor leads the musicians, helping them stay in time and coordinating the performance.
In everyday conversation: You might use "cầm càng" when talking about helping someone with a cart, or if you’re discussing music and someone is conducting a group.
In a musical context: When referring to someone leading a musical performance, you can say, "Người đó cầm càng dàn nhạc rất tốt," which means "That person conducts the orchestra very well."
While the primary meanings are as described above, "cầm càng" is not commonly used in more formal writing, and its informal nature makes it primarily suitable for spoken Vietnamese.