khum khum
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Slightly curved, gently arched, a little bent: Describes an object or surface that has a soft, rounded curve or bend, not sharp or angular. It often implies a pleasing, natural, or subtle curvature.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Mái nhà lá khum khum như mai rùa. (The thatched roof is gently curved like a turtle's shell.)
- Chiếc thuyền nhỏ với mũi thuyền khum khum. (The small boat with its slightly curved bow.)
- Lưng bà cụ đã khum khum vì tuổi tác. (The old woman's back is a little bent with age.)
Advanced Usage
- "khum khum" as a Reduplicative: This word is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the root "khum." Reduplication in Vietnamese often softens the meaning, indicating a lesser degree or a more descriptive, evocative quality. "Khum khum" is less severe than just "khum" (curved, bent).
- Descriptive and Poetic Use: Frequently used in descriptive and literary language to paint a vivid, gentle image. It is common in poetry and prose to describe natural shapes (hills, roofs, bows of boats) or the posture of someone (a bent back).
Variants and Related Words
- Khum (adj): Curved, bent, arched. The root word with a stronger sense of curvature.
- Tấm tôn bị khum lại. (The sheet of metal is bent.)
- Cong (adj): Curved, bent. A more general and common synonym, can imply a sharper bend.
- Uốn cong (v): To bend, to curve. The verb form.
- Vòm (n/v): Arch, vault; to arch. Often used for architectural arches or the sky.
Synonyms
- Cong cong: Gently curved, slightly bent (another common reduplicative).
- Uốn lượn: To wind, to meander (for longer, flowing curves).
Notes on Meaning
- The primary and essentially only meaning of "khum khum" is to describe a mild, smooth curvature. The reference context correctly identifies it as a reduplicative (từ láy) of "khum," which serves to soften and describe the state of being "hơi khum" (slightly curved). It is not used in idioms or as a phrasal verb.
- xem khum (láy)