cầm

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The Vietnamese word "cầm" has several meanings and uses, making it versatile in the language. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning

1. As a verb: "cầm" means "to hold" or "to keep." It describes the action of grasping or retaining something in your hand or possession.

   • Example: "Cầm tay nhau" means "to hold hands."

2. As a noun: "cầm" can refer to a traditional lute-like musical instrument in Vietnam. This instrument is part of the cultural heritage and is often associated with music.

Usage Instructions

• Verb Usage: When you want to express the action of holding something, you can use "cầm" followed by the object. For instance, "cầm sách" means "to hold a book."
• Noun Usage: When talking about music or cultural activities, you can use "cầm" to refer to musical instruments or the activity of playing them.

Advanced Usage

• "Cầm" can be part of more complex phrases. For example:
  • "Đảng cầm quyền" means "the party holding power" or "the ruling party."
  • "Người cầm lái" translates to "the person holding the steering wheel" or "the driver."

Word Variants

• Variations of "cầm" can be found in different contexts:
  • "cầm quân" means "to command an army."
  • "cầm kỳ thi họa" refers to the four traditional arts (music, chess, poetry, painting) that were esteemed accomplishments for feudal intellectuals.

Different Meanings

While "cầm" primarily relates to holding or grasping, its use in phrases can expand its meaning significantly, connecting it to leadership and cultural activities.

Synonyms

• Some synonyms for "cầm" in the context of holding include:
  • "nắm" (to grasp)
  • "giữ" (to keep)

Conclusion

Understanding the word "cầm" is important as it appears in various contexts in Vietnamese.

Academic

noun

1. Lute-like instrument; musical instrument
   • Cầm, Kỳ, Thi, Hoạ
     Music, Chess, Poetry, Painting (regarded as the four amusements or accomplishments of a feudal intellectual)

verb

1. To hold, to keep
   • Đảng cầm quyền
     the party holding power, the party in power, the in party
   • người cầm lái
     the person holding the steering wheel, the driver
   • cầm quân đi đánh giặc
     to hold the command of an army and fight aggressors, to command an army in the fight against aggressors
   • cầm tay nhau
     to hold hands