Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carry (a child) in one's arms: The primary meaning of "bế ẵm" is to hold and carry a young child or baby securely in one's arms, often implying care and support.
   • To cradle / to hold tenderly: It conveys the action of holding someone, typically a child, with affection and gentleness.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mẹ bế ẵm em bé suốt đêm. (The mother cradled the baby all night.)
  • Người cha nhẹ nhàng bế ẵm con gái đang ngủ. (The father gently carried his sleeping daughter in his arms.)
  • Cô ấy luôn bế ẵm cháu khi cháu khóc. (She always picks up and holds her grandchild when he cries.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "bế ẵm" is often used in a continuous or repetitive sense, emphasizing the ongoing act of caring for and carrying a young child.
  • Công việc bế ẵm trẻ sơ sinh đòi hỏi sự kiên nhẫn. (The work of carrying a newborn requires patience.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bế (v): to carry or hold (a child). "Bế ẵm" is a near-synonymous, slightly more descriptive variant.

  • Bà bế cháu ra vườn. (The grandmother carried her grandchild to the garden.)

• Ẵm (v): to carry in both arms, to take up in one's arms. Often used interchangeably with "bế" or combined as "bế ẵm."

  • Anh ấy ẵm bó hoa. (He carried the bouquet of flowers in his arms.) Note: When used for objects, "ẵm" alone is more common.

Synonyms

• To carry (in arms): The general act of holding and transporting someone in one's arms.
• To cradle: To hold protectively in one's arms, often rocking gently.
• To hold: To have or support in one's arms.

Related Idioms

• Bế ẵm bồng bế: A reduplicative phrase emphasizing the continuous and devoted act of carrying and caring for young children.
  • Những năm tháng bế ẵm bồng bế trôi qua thật nhanh. (The years of carrying and nurturing children pass so quickly.)