Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carve in intaglio: The primary meaning of "chạm chìm" is the artistic technique of carving a design into a hard material (such as gemstone, jade, or metal) so that the design is sunken below the surface. This is the opposite of relief carving.
   • To engrave (specifically in intaglio): It refers to the process of creating an engraved pattern where the lines are cut into the material.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người nghệ nhân đang chạm chìm hoa văn lên mặt ngọc. (The artisan is carving an intaglio pattern onto the surface of the jade.)
  • Kỹ thuật chạm chìm thường được dùng để tạo ra những con dấu. (The intaglio carving technique is often used to create seals.)

Advanced Usage

• "chạm chìm" vs. "chạm nổi": "Chạm chìm" (intaglio) is directly contrasted with "chạm nổi" (relief carving), where the design is raised above the background.
  • Chiếc hộp này có hoa văn chạm nổi, còn chiếc kia là chạm chìm. (This box has a relief-carved pattern, while that one is intaglio-carved.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chạm (v): To carve, to engrave. This is the general verb.
• Chạm nổi (v): To carve in relief.
• Chạm trổ (v): To carve or engrave decoratively (can be a general term encompassing both intaglio and relief).
• Khắc (v): To engrave, to inscribe. Often used for writing or finer lines.

Synonyms

• Khắc chìm: To engrave in intaglio (a near-synonym, with "khắc" sometimes implying finer or deeper cutting).
• Trạm chìm: An older or variant term with the same meaning (less common).

Related Phrases

• Nghệ thuật chạm chìm: The art of intaglio carving.
  • Nghệ thuật chạm chìm đòi hỏi sự tỉ mỉ cao. (The art of intaglio carving requires high meticulousness.)

Related Idioms

(This specific technical term is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily confined to arts, crafts, and jewelry-making contexts.)

1. Intaglio