Definition

1. Verb:
   • To take a small amount with the fingertips: To pick up or take a very small quantity of something (like powder, salt, or small seeds) by bringing the tips of the fingers together.
   • To tiptoe: To walk quietly or carefully on the balls of the feet and toes, often to avoid making noise.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to take a small amount):
  • Cô ấy nhón một ít đường cho vào tách trà. (She pinched a little sugar into the teacup.)
  • Bé nhón vài hạt nho từ đĩa. (The child picked up a few grapes from the plate with his fingertips.)
• Verb (to tiptoe):
  • Tôi phải nhón chân để lấy quyển sách trên giá cao. (I had to stand on tiptoe to get the book from the high shelf.)
  • Anh ấy nhón vào phòng khi mọi người đang ngủ. (He tiptoed into the room while everyone was sleeping.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhón gót": This is a more literary or descriptive synonym for "tiptoe," emphasizing the action of raising the heels.
  • Cô bé nhón gót nhìn qua cửa sổ. (The little girl stood on tiptoe to look through the window.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhón nhén (v): This reduplicative form often describes the action of walking lightly and carefully on tiptoe, sometimes with a connotation of stealth or gentleness.
  • Đứa trẻ nhón nhén bước xuống cầu thang. (The child stepped lightly down the stairs on tiptoe.)

Synonyms

• To pinch / to take a pinch: For the action of taking a small amount with the fingers.
• To tiptoe / to walk on tiptoe: For the quiet way of walking.

Related Idioms

• Nhón từng đồng: To be extremely frugal, saving or spending money in tiny amounts (literally, "to pinch each coin").
  • Bà ấy nhón từng đồng để mua căn nhà nhỏ. (She pinched every penny to buy the small house.)

1. Pinch
   • Nhón mấy hạt lạc
     To pinch a few ground-nuts
   • nhón tí thuốc lào
     To pinch some hubble-bubble pipe tobaco
2. Tiptoe
   • Đi nhón đến nôi em bé xem em còn ngủ không
     To tiptoe to the baby's cradle and see whether it is still sleeping