Definition

1. Verb:

   • To choke, to choke up, to block: To obstruct a passage or opening, preventing flow or movement. It can also mean to physically constrict, especially around the neck.
   • To hold tight, to grip firmly: To grasp or hold something very tightly, without letting go.

2. Adjective, Adverb:

   • Tight, tightly: Describes the state of being closed, sealed, or held very firmly, leaving no gap or room for release.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Chịt cửa hầm. (To block the entrance of a shelter.)
  • Chịt lấy cổ. (To choke (someone's) throat.)
  • Ống nước bị chịt. (The water pipe is clogged.)

• Adjective/Adverb:

  • Đóng chịt cửa lại. (To shut the door tight.)
  • Nó giữ chịt lấy tờ báo không cho ai xem. (He holds the newspaper tight for himself, and doesn't let others read it.)
  • Cái hộp đóng chịt quá, mở không ra. (The box is shut too tight; it won't open.)

Advanced Usage

• "Giữ chịt": To hold on to something very tightly, both literally and figuratively (e.g., an idea, a possession).
  • Anh ta giữ chịt quyền quyết định. (He holds the decision-making power tightly.)
• "Bịt chịt": To seal or cover something completely.
  • Bịt chịt lỗ thủng. (To seal the hole completely.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chẹt (Verb): A close variant, often used interchangeably in some contexts, especially meaning to squeeze or constrict.
  • Chẹt cổ. (To choke/squeeze the neck.)
• Nghẹt (Verb/Adj): To be blocked or clogged; stuffy. Focuses more on the state of obstruction.
  • Đường nghẹt xe. (The road is congested with traffic.)
• Bít (Verb): To stop up, to block. Often used for blocking holes or passages.
  • Bít lỗ. (To plug a hole.)

Synonyms

• Nghẹn (Verb): To choke, to feel a lump in one's throat (often from emotion).
• Tắc (Verb): To be blocked, clogged (commonly for drains, traffic).
• Siết (Verb): To tighten, to constrict (e.g., a rope, a grip).
• Khư khư (Adv): Stubbornly, tightly (holding onto something).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: As Vietnamese does not have phrasal verbs in the same structure as English, this section lists common verb+adverb/adjective combinations. - Đóng chịt: To close/shut tight. - Giữ chịt: To hold tight, to cling to. - Nắm chịt: To grip tight.

Related Idioms

• Giữ chịt như giữ của: To hold on to something as if it were a treasure (to be very possessive).
  • Cô ấy giữ chịt bí mật đó như giữ của. (She guards that secret as if it were a treasure.)
• Im chịt: To be completely silent, not making a sound.
  • Cả phòng họp im chịt. (The whole meeting room fell completely silent.)

verb

1. To choke, to choke up, to block
   • chịt cửa hầm
     to block the entrance of a shelter
   • chịt lấy cổ
     to choke (someone's) throat

adj, adv

1. Tight
   • đóng chịt cửa lại
     to shut the door tight
   • giữ chịt lấy tờ báo không cho ai xem
     to hold a newspaper tight for oneself, and not to let others read it