lắm lắm
Definition
- Adverb (Intensifier):
- Very much, extremely, a great deal: An emphatic and informal reduplication of the adverb "lắm," used to intensify the degree or extent of an adjective or verb, expressing a very high level. It conveys stronger emphasis than "lắm" alone.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Cám ơn lắm lắm. (Thank you very, very much.)
- Cô ấy tốt bụng lắm lắm. (She is extremely kind.)
- Tôi nhớ bạn lắm lắm. (I miss you a great deal.)
Advanced Usage
- Informal and Colloquial Register: "Lắm lắm" is primarily used in casual spoken Vietnamese or informal writing (e.g., text messages, social media) to express strong feeling. It is less common in formal contexts.
- Emphatic Repetition: The structure follows the pattern: [Adjective/Verb] + . It cannot precede the word it modifies.
Variants and Related Words
Lắm (adv): Very, much. The base form.
- Vui lắm. (Very happy.)
Rất (adv): Very. A more standard and neutral intensifier.
- Rất đẹp. (Very beautiful.)
Vô cùng (adv): Extremely, immensely. A stronger, more literary synonym.
- Yêu quý vô cùng. (Immensely fond.)
Synonyms
- Extremely: To a very great degree.
- Tremendously: Very much.
- Exceedingly: To an unusual degree.
Notes on Usage
- Position: Like "lắm," it always comes after the adjective or verb it modifies.
- Nuance: The reduplication adds a layer of sincerity, childishness, or playful exaggeration. It can sometimes sound cute or endearing.