Definition

1. Verb:

   • To grasp or to hold: The primary meaning of "cầm nắm" is to take and keep something firmly in the hand, involving the action of gripping or clasping.
   • To have control or possession of: In a figurative sense, it can mean to have command, control, or a firm understanding of something abstract, such as knowledge or a situation.

2. Adjective (in specific contexts):

   • Prehensile: Used in biology to describe a body part, like a tail or limb, that is adapted for grasping or holding objects.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Em bé đang học cách cầm nắm đồ chơi. (The baby is learning how to hold toys.)
  • Anh ấy cần cầm nắm chắc các nguyên tắc cơ bản. (He needs to grasp the basic principles firmly.)

• Adjective:

  • Khỉ có đuôi cầm nắm. (Monkeys have prehensile tails.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as zoology ("prehensile tail") or discussions about skill and control ("cầm nắm kỹ thuật" – to master a technique).

Variants and Related Words

• Cầm (v): to hold, to carry in the hand.

  • Cô ấy cầm một cuốn sách. (She is holding a book.)

• Nắm (v): to grip, to clasp; to grasp (an idea).

  • Nắm chặt tay lại. (Clench your fist.)

• Nắm bắt (v): to seize, to apprehend; to comprehend (an opportunity or concept).

  • Cô ấy nắm bắt cơ hội rất nhanh. (She seizes opportunities very quickly.)

Synonyms

• Grasp: To seize and hold firmly.
• Hold: To have or keep in the hand.
• Grip: To take a firm hold.
• Prehensile: (Adjective) Capable of grasping.

Related Idioms

• Cầm nắm vận mệnh: To hold one's destiny in one's hands.
  • Mỗi người phải tự cầm nắm vận mệnh của mình. (Everyone must hold their own destiny in their hands.)

1. (động từ) Prehensile
   • Đuôi cầm nắm được của khỉ
     The monkey's prehensile tail