Definition

1. Verb:
   • To surprise, to catch unawares: To discover or encounter someone or something suddenly and unexpectedly, often while they are in the act of doing something.
   • To notice suddenly, to perceive in a flash: To become aware of something, such as a detail, an expression, or a feeling, in a sudden and immediate moment.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tôi bắt chợt anh ấy đang đọc nhật ký của mình. (I surprised him reading my diary.)
  • Cô ấy bắt chợt một nỗi buồn trong ánh mắt người lạ. (She suddenly noticed a sadness in the stranger's eyes.)
  • Cảnh sát bắt chợt tên trộm đang đột nhập. (The police caught the burglar breaking in.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often implies an element of catching someone in the act or perceiving something fleeting and momentary that others might miss. It carries a nuance of spontaneity and lack of premeditation.

Variants and Related Words

• Bắt gặp (v): To come across, to encounter by chance. This is a close synonym but can be less sudden or surprising than "bắt chợt."
  • Tôi bắt gặp cuốn sách cũ trong hiệu sách. (I came across an old book in the bookstore.)

Synonyms

• Catch: To capture or discover, especially in an unexpected act.
• Surprise: To come upon suddenly or unexpectedly.
• Notice suddenly: To become aware of something abruptly.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Bắt chợt ý nghĩ: To have a sudden thought or idea.
  • Anh ấy bắt chợt ý nghĩ rời thành phố. (He was suddenly struck by the thought of leaving the city.)

verb

1. To surprise, to notice all of a sudden
   • bắt chợt một cái nhìn trộm
     to surprise someone casting a surreptitious glance (at oneself), to surprise a surreptitious glance from someone