bế

Thân thiện

Mẹ bế em bé trên tay.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carry in one's arms: To hold and transport a person, typically a child, or a small animal by cradling them against one's chest with both arms.
   • To hold in one's arms: To embrace and support someone, especially a baby, by holding them close, often without the specific intent of moving from one place to another.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mẹ bế em bé. (The mother holds the baby in her arms.)
  • Bế em cho mẹ đi làm. (Hold your baby brother/sister so mother can go to work.)
  • Đứa trẻ đòi mẹ bế. (The child wants his/her mother to hold him/her.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "bế" inherently implies a careful, nurturing, and protective manner of holding, almost exclusively used for children, infants, or small pets. It is not used for inanimate objects.

Variants and Related Words

• Bồng (v): A near-synonym meaning to carry in one's arms, often used interchangeably with "bế" in poetry or formal speech.

  • Bồng con trên tay. (To carry one's child in one's arms.)

• Ẵm (v): To carry a very young child or infant in one's arms.

  • Ẵm em bé sơ sinh. (To carry a newborn baby.)

Synonyms

• To carry (in one's arms): The most direct translation.
• To hold (in one's arms): Emphasizes the state of holding.
• To cradle: Suggests a gentle, rocking hold.

Related Idioms

• Bế quan tỏa cảng: A historical term meaning "closed-door policy," literally "to close the passes and blockade the ports." Here, "bế" means to close or shut, representing a distinct, archaic meaning not related to carrying.
• Bế mạc: To conclude or close (a ceremony, conference). This is a compound word where "bế" means to close.

Học thuật

verb

1. To hold (in one's arms)
   • bế em cho mẹ đi làm
     to hold one's baby brother (sister) for mother to go to work
   • đòi mẹ bế
     to want one's mother to hold one in her arms