Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be about to do something, to be on the verge of doing something, often with a threatening or aggressive intent: "nhăm nhe" describes the state of being poised or ready to take an action, typically a negative one like attacking, hitting, or seizing something. It implies a visible intention or preparation.
   • To eye something covetously, to have designs on something: It can also mean to look at or desire something with the clear intention of taking it.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nó nhăm nhe đánh nhau với đối thủ. (He was about to get into a fight with his opponent.)
  • Con mèo nhăm nhe vồ lấy con chuột. (The cat was poised to pounce on the mouse.)
  • Hắn ta đã nhăm nhe chiếc ghế giám đốc từ lâu. (He has had designs on the director's chair for a long time.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhăm nhe hành động": to be poised to act.

  • Bọn cướp nhăm nhe hành động khi trời tối. (The robbers were poised to act when it got dark.)

• Often used to describe a tense, watchful state just before an aggressive or decisive move. The subject is clearly preparing and waiting for the right moment.

Variants and Related Words

• Lăm le (verb): This is the standard, more common synonym with identical meaning and usage. "Nhăm nhe" is considered a regional variant of "lăm le".
  • Kẻ địch lăm le tấn công. (The enemy is poised to attack.)

Synonyms

• To intend to, to be about to: Có ý định, sắp sửa.
• To eye menacingly, to loom: Nhìn với ý đồ đe dọa, áp sát.

Notes

• This word carries a strong connotation of imminent action, often with negative or confrontational undertones. It is not used for neutral or positive intentions like "about to eat dinner" or "about to leave".
• It is primarily a spoken, colloquial term and is identified as a regional variation ("địa phương") of the word "lăm le".

1. (địa phương) như lăm le