Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cover (something) carefully or completely, especially to protect it from dust, insects, or other contaminants. The word implies a thorough, careful, and often light covering, typically using a lid, cloth, or other suitable object.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhớ đậy điệm nồi canh lại kẻo ruồi bu vào. (Remember to cover the soup pot carefully, or flies will get in.)
  • Cô ấy đậy điệm mâm cơm bằng một tấm vải mỏng. (She covered the tray of food with a thin piece of cloth.)
  • Trước khi đi ngủ, anh ấy thường đậy điệm lọ đường. (Before going to bed, he usually covers the sugar jar.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "đậy điệm" is often used in the context of preserving food and maintaining hygiene in the kitchen or during meals. It emphasizes a considerate and meticulous action.
• It can be used figuratively to mean to conceal or hide something discreetly, though this usage is less common.
  • Hắn tìm cách đậy điệm mọi bằng chứng. (He tried to discreetly cover up all the evidence.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đậy (verb): To cover, to put a lid on. This is the more general and common verb, while "đậy điệm" adds a nuance of care and thoroughness.
• Che đậy (verb): To cover up, to conceal (often with a negative connotation of hiding the truth).

Synonyms

• Che (verb): To cover, to shield.
• Phủ (verb): To cover, to spread over.
• Bịt (verb): To cover by closing an opening (e.g., bịt miệng chai - to cork a bottle).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Đậy lại (verb phrase): To cover something back up.
  • Ăn xong nhớ đậy lại hộp bánh. (After eating, remember to cover the cookie box back up.)

Related Idioms

• While "đậy điệm" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept relates to the common Vietnamese saying about household care:
  • "Của bền tại người" (Possessions last long thanks to the owner's care). The careful action of "đậy điệm" is an example of such care.

1. Cover (against dust..)
   • Đậy điệm đồ ăn thức uống
     To cover eatables and drinkable