Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sunken in, concave, recessed: Describes a surface or area that curves or slopes inward, forming a depression or hollow.
   • Deeply set: Often used to describe facial features, especially eyes that appear deep-set or recessed.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đôi mắt anh ấy sâu hỏm vì mệt mỏi. (His eyes are deeply sunken from fatigue.)
  • Bức tường có một chỗ hỏm vào do bị hư hại. (The wall has a sunken spot due to damage.)
  • Vùng đất này hỏm xuống, dễ bị ngập nước. (This area of land is sunken in and prone to flooding.)

Advanced Usage

• "sâu hỏm": An intensified form meaning "deeply sunken" or "deeply recessed." It emphasizes the depth of the concavity.
  • Hang động có lối vào sâu hỏm trong núi. (The cave has an entrance that is deeply recessed into the mountain.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hom hỏm (reduplicative form): This is a reduplicative variant that intensifies the meaning of "hỏm," emphasizing a more pronounced or irregular sunken quality.
  • Mặt đường hom hỏm sau trận mưa lớn. (The road surface is deeply and irregularly pitted after the heavy rain.)

Synonyms

• Lõm: Concave, indented. (Often interchangeable, but "lõm" can be more general.)
• Trũng: Low-lying, depressed (often referring to terrain).
• Thụt vào: Recessed, set back.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "hỏm" is primarily used as a descriptive adjective. It does not function as a verb or noun in standard modern Vietnamese.
• It is often found in descriptive prose, especially concerning topography, architecture, or physical appearance (e.g., sunken cheeks, eyes).

1. Sunken in
   • Sâu hỏm
     Deeply sunken in
   • Hom hỏm (láy, ý tăng)