Definition

1. Verb:
   • To sleep lying down: The primary meaning of "nằm ngủ" is the act of sleeping in a horizontal, reclining position, typically on a bed or similar surface.
   • To lie dormant: A more figurative or technical meaning, describing a state of inactivity, latency, or suspended function, as if asleep.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Em bé đang nằm ngủ trên giường. (The baby is sleeping on the bed.)
  • Hạt giống nằm ngủ trong đất suốt mùa đông. (The seed lies dormant in the soil throughout winter.)
  • Chúng tôi đã nằm ngủ ở nhà trọ đó. (We slept at that inn.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in formal or literary contexts to describe abstract concepts in a state of inactivity.
  • Tiềm năng của khu vực này vẫn còn đang nằm ngủ. (The potential of this region is still lying dormant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngủ (v): to sleep. This is the general verb, while "nằm ngủ" specifies the posture.

  • Anh ấy ngủ lúc 10 giờ. (He sleeps at 10 o'clock.)

• Nằm (v): to lie down. This verb indicates the physical position.

  • Cô ấy nằm trên sofa. (She is lying on the sofa.)

Synonyms

• To sleep: the general act of resting in a state of natural unconsciousness.
• To recline: to lie back in a relaxed position.
• To be dormant: to be in a state of temporary inactivity or sleep.

Related Idioms

• While "nằm ngủ" itself is not typically part of a common idiom, the concept is related to the idiom "ngủ say như chết" (to sleep like a log).
  • Sau chuyến đi dài, anh ấy ngủ say như chết. (After the long trip, he slept like a log.)

verb

1. to lie dormant