Definition

1. Adjective/Adverb:
   • Shivering uncontrollably: Describes a state of trembling or shaking intensely and repeatedly, typically due to extreme cold, fear, or illness.
   • Flickering unsteadily: Can describe a small, weak light that is fluttering or blinking intermittently, as if about to go out.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverb:
  • Đứa bé sốt cao, nằm lật bật trên giường. (The child had a high fever and lay shivering uncontrollably on the bed.)
  • Trời đông giá rét, tôi run lật bật. (The winter was freezing, and I was shivering violently.)
  • Ngọn nến lật bật trong gió trước khi tắt hẳn. (The candle flickered unsteadily in the wind before going out completely.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used in a reduplicative form for emphasis, vividly depicting a continuous, rapid, and somewhat weak or unstable trembling motion.
• Can imply a sense of vulnerability or lack of control over the shaking.

Variants and Related Words

• Run rẩy (v/adj): to tremble, to shiver (often from cold or fear). This is a close synonym but may imply a slightly less intense or rapid shake than "lật bật."
  • Cô ấy run rẩy vì sợ hãi. (She trembled with fear.)

Synonyms

• Shiver violently: To shake intensely from cold or fever.
• Tremble uncontrollably: To shake in a way one cannot stop.
• Flicker: To burn or shine unsteadily (for light).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Run lật bật: A common collocation emphasizing the state of shivering.
  • Nó ngồi co ro trong chăn, run lật bật. (It huddled under the blanket, shivering uncontrollably.)