Definition

1. Intransitive Verb:
   • To become less swollen; to go down; to subside: Refers to a swollen or inflamed area of the body reducing in size and returning to its normal state.
   • To become thin or emaciated (less common, colloquial): Refers to a person or animal losing weight, becoming gaunt.

Usage Examples

• Intransitive Verb:
  • Chỗ sưng ở chân tôi đã dọp. (The swelling on my leg has gone down.)
  • Sau khi chườm đá, vết sưng bắt đầu dọp dần. (After applying an ice pack, the swelling began to subside gradually.)
  • Ốm một trận, anh ấy dọp hẳn đi. (colloquial) (After being sick, he became quite thin.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• Colloquial and Regional: The word "dọp" is primarily used in colloquial Vietnamese and is considered somewhat rustic or regional. In formal writing or speech, alternatives like "xẹp xuống" (to deflate/go down) or "giảm sưng" (to reduce swelling) are preferred.
• Nuance: When referring to swelling, "dọp" implies a natural or gradual process of reduction. It is not typically used for intentional deflation (like a tire).

Variants and Related Words

• Xẹp (Verb): To deflate, to go flat, to subside. A more common synonym for the physical reduction of swelling or inflation.
  • Bong bóng xà phòng đã xẹp. (The soap bubble has popped/deflated.)
• Xẹp xuống (Phrasal Verb): To go down, to subside.
• Giảm sưng (Verb Phrase): To reduce swelling. A formal/medical term.

Synonyms

• Xẹp: To deflate, subside.
• Bớt sưng: To become less swollen.
• Tẹt (colloquial): To go flat (often for tires or inflated objects).
• Gầy đi / Sút cân (for the 'thin' meaning): To lose weight, to become thin.

Antonyms

• Sưng lên / Phù lên: To swell up.
• Căng lên: To become taut/swollen.
• Béo lên / Lên cân (for the 'thin' meaning): To gain weight, to become fat.

Related Idioms or Expressions

• Sưng voi dọp chẫu (Thành ngữ): Literally "swells like an elephant, subsides like a frog". Used to describe something (like gossip, a scandal, or a minor injury) that causes a big fuss initially but then dies down or resolves quickly and quietly.
  • Chuyện đó lúc đầu ầm ĩ lắm, nhưng rồi cũng sưng voi dọp chẫu thôi. (That matter was noisy at first, but then it blew over quietly.)

1. (khẩu ngữ, ít dùng) Get thin, get flate
   • Chỗ sưng đã dọp
     The swelling has got flate