ấm ứ

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "ấm ứ" is a verb that describes the action of hesitating or being indecisive. It often refers to someone who is not sure about what to say or how to respond, leading them to take a long time to answer or to give an unclear response.

Basic Meaning

• "ấm ứ" means to hum and haw or to hesitate in conversation. It implies a lack of confidence or certainty in answering a question.

Usage Instructions

You can use "ấm ứ" when talking about situations where someone is reluctant to give a straightforward answer or when they are thinking for too long before responding.

Examples

1. "Cô ấy ấm ứ không trả lời câu hỏi."

   • Translation: "She is humming and hawing, not answering the question."

2. "Anh ta ấm ứ mãi không biết phải nói gì."

   • Translation: "He kept humming and hawing, not knowing what to say."

Advanced Usage

• You might encounter "ấm ứ" in more complex sentences or discussions about indecision or uncertainty in various contexts, such as job interviews, public speaking, or while giving presentations.

Word Variants

• While "ấm ứ" generally stays as is, it can be paired with other words for more specific meanings, such as:
  • "ấm ứ mãi": meaning to keep hesitating or being indecisive for a long time.
  • "ấm ứ không thuộc bài": meaning to hum and haw because one does not know the material (often used in educational contexts).

Different Meanings

• "ấm ứ" primarily conveys the idea of hesitating or being uncertain in speech. It does not have significantly different meanings but can be used in various contexts related to indecision.

Academic

verb

1. to hum and haw
   • ấm ứ không trả lời
     to hum and haw and give no answer
   • không thuộc bài, ấm ứ mãi
     to keep humming and hawing, for not knowing one's lesson