dòm nom
Definition
- Verb:
- To keep an eye on, to watch over: The primary meaning of "dòm nom" is to observe or monitor someone or something attentively, often with a sense of care, supervision, or protection. It implies a watchful responsibility.
- To look after, to take care of: It conveys the action of caring for or attending to someone or something, ensuring their well-being or proper condition.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Bà ấy dòm nom lũ trẻ trong xóm. (She keeps an eye on the children in the neighborhood.)
- Anh phải dòm nom cửa hàng khi tôi vắng mặt. (You have to look after the shop while I'm away.)
- Hãy dòm nom nồi cơm đang sôi. (Keep an eye on the rice pot that's boiling.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a nuance of informal, vigilant, and protective supervision rather than formal management. It is commonly used in the context of caring for people (especially children or the elderly), property, or ongoing tasks.
Variants and Related Words
Trông nom (v): to look after, to take care of. This is a very close synonym and is often interchangeable with "dòm nom," though "trông nom" might be slightly more common in formal contexts.
- Tôi nhờ hàng xóm trông nom nhà cửa. (I asked the neighbor to look after the house.)
Giám sát (v): to supervise, to monitor. This implies a more official or systematic oversight.
- Giám đốc giám sát tiến độ dự án. (The director supervises the project's progress.)
Synonyms
- Watch over: To guard or protect by keeping watch.
- Look after: To take care of or be responsible for someone or something.
- Keep an eye on: To watch or monitor casually but attentively.
Related Idioms
- Dòm ngó: To look at or observe, often with curiosity or suspicion, but it lacks the strong connotation of care inherent in "dòm nom."
- Đừng dòm ngó tài sản của người khác. (Don't eye other people's property.)