Definition

1. Verb:
   • To overflow: To rise and spill over the usual limits, typically used for water bodies like rivers, streams, or floods.
   • To bob up / To float up: To rise to the surface or move upward in a buoyant, often gentle, manner, typically used for objects on water.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mưa lũ, suối dềnh lên. (Because of heavy rains, the spring overflowed.)
  • Gỗ dềnh lên trên gợn sóng. (The logs of wood bounced up on the crest of the waves.)
  • Nước sông dềnh sau cơn bão. (The river water overflowed after the storm.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "dềnh" often describes a slow, swelling, or rising motion, particularly in a natural or aquatic context. It is not typically used for rapid or violent surges.

Variants and Related Words

• Dềnh dàng (adj): To be slow, sluggish, or unhurried in movement or action.
  • Anh ấy làm việc dềnh dàng. (He works in a slow, unhurried manner.)
• Dềnh cao (v phrase): To rise high (of water levels).

Synonyms

• Overflow: To flow over the brim or limits.
• Swell: To increase in volume or level.
• Bob: To move up and down gently on the surface of water.

Related Idioms

• Nước dềnh thuyền cao: A proverb suggesting that a rising tide lifts all boats; when conditions improve, everyone benefits.
  • Kinh tế phát triển, đúng là nước dềnh thuyền cao. (The economy is growing; it's true that a rising tide lifts all boats.)

1. Overflow
   • Mưa lũ, suối dềnh lên
     Because of heavy rains, the spring overflowed
2. Bounce up
   • Gỗ dềnh lên trên gợn sóng
     The logs of wood bounced up on the crest of the waves