Definition

Verb: - To gather gradually, to collect bit by bit: The action of bringing together small amounts or pieces over time to form a larger whole. It implies a patient, often unsystematic process of accumulation from various sources. - To glean, to pick up: To collect scattered items, information, or fragments that others might overlook or discard.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy thích góp nhặt những mẩu chuyện dân gian từ các cụ già trong làng. (She likes to glean folk tales from the elderly in the village.)
  • Anh ta đã góp nhặt từng đồng một để mua được chiếc xe đạp mới. (He collected/saved up coin by coin to buy the new bicycle.)
  • Tôi chỉ mới góp nhặt được một vài thông tin về vụ việc. (I have only managed to pick up/gather a few pieces of information about the incident.)

Advanced Usage

• Implies Fragmentation and Patience: The word strongly conveys the idea that the items being collected are scattered, disparate, or available only in small quantities, requiring sustained effort over time.
  • Kiến thức không phải ngày một ngày hai mà có, phải từ từ góp nhặt. (Knowledge isn't gained in a day or two; it must be accumulated gradually.)
• Often Used for Intangible Things: Commonly used for collecting abstract things like experiences, memories, knowledge, or scattered information.
  • Những kỷ niệm đẹp được góp nhặt trong suốt chuyến đi. (Beautiful memories were collected/gathered throughout the journey.)

Variants and Related Words

• Góp (verb): To contribute, to chip in. While "góp" often implies a voluntary contribution to a common pool, "góp nhặt" focuses on the act of gathering scattered items.
• Nhặt (verb): To pick up (from the ground). "Nhặt" gives "góp nhặt" its core meaning of collecting small, scattered pieces.
• Thu nhặt (verb): A close synonym meaning to gather, to collect. It can sometimes be used interchangeably with "góp nhặt," though "góp nhặt" may emphasize a more gradual, piecemeal process.
• Sưu tầm (verb): To collect (as a hobby), to amass. This implies a more systematic, purposeful, and often passionate collection (e.g., stamps, antiques) compared to the more incidental "góp nhặt."

Synonyms

• Thu thập: To collect, to gather (more systematic and general).
• Tích lũy: To accumulate, to amass (emphasizes the building up over time, often used for knowledge, wealth, or experience).
• Lượm lặt: To glean, to pick up (very close in meaning, also implies gathering scattered bits).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Góp gió thành bão: Literally "to gather winds to form a storm." This idiom means that many small contributions or actions can combine to create a powerful force or significant result. It shares the "góp" root and the concept of accumulation central to "góp nhặt."
  • Mọi người góp chút ít, góp gió thành bão, giúp đỡ được gia đình khó khăn. (Everyone contributed a little; many a little makes a mickle, helping the family in need.)

verb

1. to pick up, to collect adds and ends