ngấm

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The Vietnamese word "ngấm" is a verb that means "to draw" or "to soak in." It is commonly used in the context of liquids, such as tea, when you want to describe the process of extracting flavor or essence from tea leaves by letting them sit in hot water.

Basic Usage:

• Meaning: When you say "ngấm," you are referring to the action of allowing a substance (like tea) to absorb water, which helps to release its flavors.
• Example: "Tôi để trà ngấm trong 5 phút." (I let the tea steep for 5 minutes.)

Advanced Usage:

In a broader sense, "ngấm" can also be used metaphorically to describe the process of absorbing knowledge or information. For example, you can say that someone is "ngấm" a lesson or experience when they take it in deeply and understand it well.

Word Variants:

• "Ngấm" can be used in different forms such as "ngấm nước" (to absorb water) or "ngấm thuốc" (to absorb medicine).
• It can also appear in phrases like "ngấm vào tâm trí" (to sink into the mind), which refers to the deep internalization of thoughts or ideas.

Different Meanings:

1. Literal Meaning: As in the context of tea, it refers specifically to the process of steeping.
2. Figurative Meaning: It can imply the absorption of knowledge or experiences, as mentioned earlier.

Synonyms:

• For the literal meaning (to steep):

  • "nhúng" (to dip)
  • "ngâm" (to soak)

• For the figurative meaning (to absorb knowledge):

  • "hiểu" (to understand)
  • "tiếp thu" (to assimilate)

Summary:

"Ngấm" is a versatile verb in Vietnamese primarily associated with the process of soaking or steeping, especially in relation to tea. It can also extend to metaphorical uses involving the absorption of knowledge or experiences.

Academic

verb

1. (of tea). to draw