ấp úng

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The Vietnamese word "ấp úng" is a verb that describes the act of hesitating or stumbling over words while trying to speak. It can be translated into English as "to hum and haw" or "to stammer." This word is often used when someone is having difficulty expressing themselves clearly, either because they are unsure of what to say or because they are nervous.

Usage Instructions:

• "Ấp úng" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, typically when discussing situations where someone is struggling to articulate their thoughts.
• It can refer to both speech difficulties and situations where a person is indecisive.

Examples:

1. Basic Usage:

   • Vietnamese: "Khi được hỏi về kế hoạch tương lai, cô ấy ấp úng không biết trả lời thế nào."
   • English: "When asked about her future plans, she stammered, not knowing how to respond."

2. Advanced Usage:

   • Vietnamese: "Trong cuộc phỏng vấn, anh ấy ấp úng mãi không trả lời được câu hỏi."
   • English: "During the interview, he hummed and hawed for a long time without being able to answer the question."

3. Idiomatic Expression:

   • Vietnamese: "Anh ấy ấp úng như ngậm hột thị."
   • English: "He stammered as if he had a potato in his mouth."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "ấp úng," but it can often be used in different contexts to describe varying degrees of hesitation or stammering.

Different Meanings:

• The primary meaning relates to speaking difficulties. However, it can also imply a general indecision or lack of confidence in expressing thoughts.

Synonyms:

• Lúng túng: This means to be confused or awkward in a situation, often leading to hesitation.
• Ngập ngừng: This means to pause or hesitate before speaking, similar to "ấp úng."
• Nói lắp: This means to stutter, which is a more pronounced form of difficulty in speaking.

Academic

verb

1. to hum and haw, to stammer
   • ấp úng mãi không trả lời được
     to hum and haw for long moments without being able to give an answer
   • ấp úng như ngậm hột thị
     to stammer as if one has a potato in one's mouth
   • ấp a ấp úng
     to stammer badly