Definition

Verb: - To attempt; to intend; to be about to do something: "lăm le" describes having an intention and being ready to act, often at the first opportunity. It frequently implies an action that is imminent or a desire that is about to be acted upon. The action is often, but not exclusively, negative or opportunistic.

Usage

"Lăm le" is used to indicate that someone is poised or on the verge of doing something. It often carries a nuance of eagerness, readiness, or a lurking intention. It is typically followed by another verb describing the intended action.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Bố nó vừa đi khỏi, nó đã lăm le đi đá bóng. (His father had just left, and he was already about to go play soccer.)
  • Tên kẻ cắp lăm le rút trộm cái ví. (The thief was poised to stealthily pull out the wallet.)
  • Nó lăm le nói ra sự thật nhưng lại thôi. (He was on the verge of telling the truth but then stopped.)

Advanced Usage

• "lăm le" + Verb: This is the most common structure, showing the action one is ready to perform.
  • Cậu bé lăm le với tay lấy chiếc bánh trên bàn. (The boy was reaching out, about to take the cake on the table.)
• Used to describe a state of readiness, often with a hint of negative connotation (e.g., mischief, theft, aggression) but can be neutral.
  • Đối thủ lăm le tấn công từ cánh trái. (The opponent was poised to attack from the left flank.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rình rập (verb): to lurk, to stalk. This word emphasizes hiding and waiting for an opportunity, often with malicious intent, and is stronger than "lăm le".
• Định (verb): to intend, to plan. A more general and neutral term for intention without the imminent readiness of "lăm le".
• Sắp sửa (adverb): to be about to. Indicates immediacy but lacks the connotation of eager readiness or potential mischief found in "lăm le".

Synonyms

• To be about to: Sắp, sắp sửa.
• To intend to: Có ý định, định.
• To be on the verge of: Đang ở trên bờ vực của (a more formal/physical metaphor).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Lăm le hành động: To be poised for action.
  • Hắn ta cứ đứng đó, lăm le hành động. (He just stood there, poised for action.)
• Lăm le cơ hội: To be eyeing/waiting for an opportunity (often to take advantage).
  • Nhiều công ty đang lăm le cơ hội thâu tóm thị trường. (Many companies are eyeing the opportunity to dominate the market.)

verb

1. to attempt; to intend