Definition

1. Verb:
   • To keep (a light source such as a lamp, torch, or candle) burning continuously for a long period, especially through the night. It implies a deliberate act of maintaining illumination.
   • To keep (one's eyes) open for a long time; to stare or gaze fixedly without closing the eyes. This usage often conveys wakefulness, vigilance, or intense focus.

Usage Examples

• Verb (keeping a light on):

  • Anh ấy chong đèn đọc sách đến sáng. (He kept the lamp on reading books until morning.)
  • Người canh gác phải chong đuốc suốt đêm. (The guard had to keep the torch burning all night.)

• Verb (keeping eyes open):

  • Lo lắng, cô ấy chong mắt nhìn lên trần nhà. (Worried, she lay with her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.)
  • Đứa trẻ chong mắt chờ ông già Noel. (The child stared wide-eyed, waiting for Santa Claus.)

Advanced Usage

• "chong chong": This is a reduplicated form, often used as an adverb or adjective to describe something standing upright or in a state of being propped open.
  • Cây nến đứng chong chong giữa bàn. (The candle stood upright in the middle of the table.)
  • Nó ngồi chong mắt chong chong. (He sat with his eyes wide open and staring.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chong đèn (verb phrase): To keep a lamp/oil lamp lit.
• Chong đuốc (verb phrase): To keep a torch lit.
• Thức chong (verb phrase): To stay awake keeping watch (often with a light or with eyes open).

Synonyms

• Thắp (verb): To light (a lamp, candle). is the initial act of lighting, while emphasizes the prolonged state of keeping it lit.
• Thức (verb): To stay awake. is general, while (when referring to eyes) specifies the act of keeping one's eyes open.
• Nhìn chằm chằm (verb phrase): To stare fixedly. Similar to the visual aspect of .

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chong đèn chực sách: To keep the lamp lit while waiting to study/read. Implies diligent study or preparation through the night.
• Chong mắt đợi chờ: To stare wide-eyed while waiting. Conveys anticipation and sleepless waiting.

verb

1. To keep (light, torch) burning on for a long time
   • chong đuốc
     to keep a torch burning on for a long time
   • chong đèn suốt đêm
     to keep a lamp lit all night long
2. To keep (eyes) open for a long time, to stare for a long time
   • mắt cứ chong suốt đêm không ngủ được
     his eyes remained staring the whole night, without being able to sleep a wink