Definition

1. Prepositional phrase:
   • At the very moment, at the exact time: Indicates that an action happens precisely at the same time as another event or state. It emphasizes the coincidence of timing.
   • At the right instant: Suggests that the timing is opportune or fortunate, though this nuance depends on context.

Usage Examples

• As a prepositional phrase:
  • Tôi đến nhà anh ấy nhằm lúc anh ấy đang ăn tối. (I arrived at his house at the very moment he was having dinner.)
  • Cô ấy gọi điện nhằm lúc chúng tôi đang bàn về cô ấy. (She called at the exact time we were discussing her.)
  • Xe cứu thương tới nhằm lúc cần thiết nhất. (The ambulance arrived at the most necessary moment.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhằm lúc" + Clause: The phrase is typically followed by a clause describing the simultaneous event.
  • Anh ta xuất hiện nhằm lúc mọi hy vọng gần như tắt hẳn. (He appeared just as all hope was almost extinguished.)
• Emphasizing Coincidence: Often used to highlight an unplanned or fortuitous coincidence in timing, which can be either positive or negative.
  • Trời đổ mưa nhằm lúc chúng tôi vừa ra khỏi nhà. (It started to rain at the very moment we just left the house.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhằm (verb): To aim at, to intend. When used with time words, it conveys the meaning of happening at a specific point.
• Đúng lúc (phrase): At the right time. This is a close synonym but often carries a more positive connotation of fortunate timing than the neutral coincidence of .
• Vừa lúc (phrase): Just in time. Similar to , emphasizing timeliness.
• Ngay lúc (phrase): Right at the moment. A more direct synonym for indicating simultaneous timing.

Synonyms

• Vào đúng thời điểm: At the exact point in time.
• Đúng vào lúc: Right at the time.
• Trùng vào lúc: Coinciding with the time.

Related Phrases (No direct phrasal verbs, as it is a phrase)

• Nhằm khi (phrase): A less common variant with the same meaning as .
  • Chiếc máy bay cất cánh nhằm khi mặt trời lặn. (The plane took off just as the sun was setting.)

Related Idioms

• Chờ cho nhằm lúc: To wait for the right moment. This idiom uses the core idea of to express strategic waiting.
  • Hãy kiên nhẫn chờ cho nhằm lúc rồi mới hành động. (Be patient and wait for the right moment before acting.)

1. At the very moment, at the right instant
   • Đến chơi ai nhằm lúc người ta ở nhà
     To call at someone at the very moment he is in