Definition

1. Verb:
   • To snap at, to bite suddenly and sharply: "đợp" describes the action of biting or snapping at something quickly and aggressively, often with a single, forceful motion. It typically implies a sudden, sharp bite, not a prolonged hold.
   • (Vulgar/colloquial) To bite: In informal or vulgar speech, it can simply mean to bite.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Con chó đợp một miếng vào cẳng. (The dog snapped at [someone's] leg.)
  • Con cá sấu đợp lấy con mồi. (The crocodile snapped up the prey.)
  • Đừng lại gần, nó có thể đợp đấy! (Don't get close, it might snap/bite!)

Advanced Usage

• "đợp một phát": to snap/bite in one go.
  • Con rắn đợp một phát vào tay anh ta. (The snake snapped at his hand in one go.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cắn: (Verb) To bite. This is the standard, more general term for biting. "Đợp" is more specific, vivid, and colloquial, emphasizing a single, sharp, aggressive bite.
• Ngoạm: (Verb) To grab/bite with the mouth, often implying a firm hold. "Đợp" is more about the initial, sudden snapping action.

Synonyms

• Táp: (Verb) To snap at, to bite (often used for fish or animals). Very similar in meaning and usage to "đợp".
• Phập: (Verb) To snap shut (like jaws or a trap). Emphasizes the closing motion.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Ăn như rồng cuốn, nói như rồng leo, làm như mèo mửa, đợp như chó cắn: (Idiom) A critical saying describing someone who eats greedily, talks boastfully, works lazily, and bites/snaps fiercely like a dog. "Đợp" here vividly conveys aggressive, dog-like biting.

1. Snap
   • Chó đợp một miếng vào cẳng
     The dog snapped at (someone's) leg