Definition

1. Verb:
   • To stand on tiptoe: To raise one's body by balancing on the balls of the feet and toes, typically to gain height.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Giá sách cao quá, phải kiễng chân lên mới với lấy sách được. (The bookshelf is too high; I have to stand on tiptoe to reach the books.)
  • Cô bé kiễng chân để nhìn qua cửa sổ. (The little girl stood on tiptoe to look through the window.)
  • Anh ấy kiễng người lên để xem cho rõ. (He rose on tiptoe to get a better view.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "kiễng" is almost always used with a body part, most commonly "chân" (feet/legs) as in "kiễng chân", or "người" (body) as in "kiễng người". It describes a deliberate, often temporary, action to become taller.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhón chân (v): A near-synonym meaning to tiptoe, often implying quiet or careful movement in addition to the raised position.
  • Cô ấy nhón chân bước ra khỏi phòng để không đánh thức ai. (She tiptoed out of the room so as not to wake anyone.)

Synonyms

• To tiptoe: To walk quietly on the balls of the feet.
• To rise on tiptoe: To lift oneself onto the toes.

Related Idioms

• While "kiễng" itself is not commonly found in idioms, the action is often described in figurative language about striving or making an effort, e.g., (to have to stand on tiptoe to reach something) can metaphorically mean to struggle to achieve a goal.

1. Stand on tiptoe
   • Giá sách cao quá, phải kiễng chân lên mới với lấy sách được
     To have to stand on tiptoe to reach the books on a too high shelf