cắm

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "cắm" is a versatile verb that can mean "to pitch," "to set up," "to plant," or "to fix." It is commonly used in various contexts, especially when referring to setting something up or establishing a position. Here are some key points to help you understand its usage:

Basic Usage

1. Cắm lều: This phrase means "to pitch a tent." It is often used in camping contexts where people set up tents for outdoor activities.

   • Example: "Chúng tôi sẽ cắm lều ở bãi biển vào cuối tuần này." (We will pitch a tent at the beach this weekend.)

2. Cắm trại: This means "to (pitch a) camp." It refers to the act of setting up a campsite.

   • Example: "Họ đã cắm trại trong rừng suốt ba ngày." (They camped in the forest for three days.)

3. Địch cắm bốt cạnh đường cái: This means "the enemy set up a post near the highway." It is used in military contexts to indicate establishing a position.

   • Example: "Quân đội đã phát hiện ra rằng địch cắm bốt gần khu vực biên giới." (The army discovered that the enemy had set up a post near the border area.)

More Advanced Usage

• Không một tấc đất cắm dùi: This phrase translates to "to have not an inch of land to drive a stake in," meaning there is no room or space available.
  • Example: "Chúng tôi không một tấc đất cắm dùi để xây nhà." (We have not an inch of land to build a house.)

Word Variants

• "Cắm" can be combined with other words to create various phrases or compound verbs, such as:
  • Cắm hoa: to arrange flowers or to plant flowers.
  • Cắm điện: to plug in (an electrical device).

Different Meanings

"Cắm" can also refer to: - To stake out: Establishing a claim or marking a territory. - To hang (the head): In a more figurative sense, it can mean to hang one’s head in shame or disappointment.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for "cắm" in certain contexts include: - Đặt: to place or set (e.g., đặt bàn = to set the table). - Trồng: to plant, especially when referring to plants or crops.

Academic

verb

1. To pitch, to set up, to plant, to fix
   • cắm lều
     to pitch a tent
   • cắm trại
     to (pitch a) camp
   • địch cắm bốt cạnh đường cái
     the enemy set up a post near the highway
2. To stake out
   • không một tấc đất cắm dùi
     to have not an inch of land to drive a stake in, to have not room to swing a cat
3. To hang (the head)