Definition

1. Verb:
   • To calculate or estimate roughly in one's head: To perform a simple, approximate mental calculation, often by murmuring or whispering the numbers quietly to oneself.
   • To taste or consume slowly and thoughtfully: To sip, nibble, or savor something slowly and in small amounts, often while quietly appreciating it.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to calculate):
  • Ông cụ ngồi nhâm nhẩm tính tiền chợ. (The old man sat quietly calculating the market expenses in his head.)
  • Cô ấy nhâm nhẩm đếm xem còn bao nhiêu ngày nữa đến Tết. (She quietly counted how many days were left until Tet.)
• Verb (to consume slowly):
  • Anh ấy nhâm nhẩm nhấp từng ngụm cà phê sáng. (He slowly savored each sip of his morning coffee.)
  • Bọn trẻ ngồi nhâm nhẩm gói bánh. (The children sat there nibbling slowly on a packet of cookies.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is a reduplicative form, suggesting a soft, repetitive, or ongoing action. It often implies a sense of quiet, private enjoyment or concentration.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhẩm tính (v): to calculate mentally.
  • Tôi nhẩm tính thấy không đủ tiền. (I mentally calculated and found I didn't have enough money.)
• Nhấm nháp (v): to sip or nibble slowly (similar to the second meaning, but more commonly used for drinks).
  • Họ nhấm nháp rượu vang và trò chuyện. (They sipped wine and chatted.)

Synonyms

• To reckon: to calculate or estimate.
• To mumble: to speak quietly and indistinctly, relevant to the murmured aspect of calculation.
• To savor: to taste or enjoy slowly and completely.
• To nibble: to eat in small, gentle bites.

Related Idioms

• Nhâm nhi (v): This is a closely related and more common term meaning to enjoy food or drink slowly and leisurely. "Nhâm nhẩm" can sometimes be used in a similar context.
  • Các cụ già nhâm nhi trà buổi sáng. (The elders leisurely enjoyed their morning tea.)