Definition

Verb: - To follow closely and persistently, to stick to someone like a shadow: This verb describes the action of following or staying extremely close to someone or something, often in an intrusive, persistent, or unwanted manner. It implies a sense of clinging or attaching oneself without letting go.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta bám riết đối thủ trong suốt trận đấu. (He stuck to his opponent closely throughout the match.)
  • Cô phóng viên bám riết người nổi tiếng để có tin bài độc quyền. (The reporter dogged the celebrity to get an exclusive story.)
  • Cảm giác tội lỗi cứ bám riết lấy anh ấy. (The feeling of guilt clung to him persistently.)

Advanced Usage

• "bám riết lấy": This is a common collocation where "lấy" intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the act of latching onto or clinging to something/someone.
  • Cô ấy quyết tâm bám riết lấy cơ hội này. (She is determined to cling to this opportunity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bám (verb): To cling, to hold on to. A simpler, more general term.
  • Đứa trẻ bám vào chân mẹ. (The child clung to her mother's leg.)
• Theo sát (verb phrase): To follow closely, to tail. Less intense than "bám riết".
  • Vệ sĩ luôn theo sát người được bảo vệ. (The bodyguard always follows the protectee closely.)

Synonyms

• Đeo bám: To pester, to dog. Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably.
• Bám theo: To follow and cling to.
• Bám đuôi (idiomatic): Literally "to cling to the tail"; to tail someone.

Related Idioms

• Bám như đỉa đói: Literally "to cling like a hungry leech"; an idiom describing someone who sticks to another person in a very annoying, parasitic way.
  • Hắn ta cứ bám tôi như đỉa đói. (He keeps clinging to me like a hungry leech.)
• Bám váy mẹ: Literally "to cling to mother's skirt"; used to describe a child who is overly attached and follows their mother everywhere.

verb

1. To tread on