Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Restless, fidgety, unable to sit still: Describes a state of physical restlessness, often due to impatience, anxiety, or eagerness to leave or do something else.
   • On tenterhooks, anxious: Describes a state of nervous anticipation or worry that manifests in physical unease.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu bé ngồi nhấp nhổm trong lớp học, chỉ mong hết giờ. (The boy sat fidgeting in class, just waiting for the lesson to end.)
  • Cô ấy nhấp nhổm chờ kết quả phỏng vấn. (She was on tenterhooks waiting for the interview result.)
  • Khách đến chơi nhưng cứ nhấp nhổm nhìn đồng hồ. (The guest came to visit but kept fidgeting and looking at the clock.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngồi nhấp nhổm": To sit fidgeting/restlessly.
  • Anh ta ngồi nhấp nhổm như có lửa đốt chân. (He sat fidgeting as if his feet were on fire.)
• "Nhấp nhổm không yên": To be extremely restless/unsettled.
  • Lòng tôi nhấp nhổm không yên vì lo lắng cho con. (My heart was restless with worry for my child.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhấp nha nhấp nhổm (idiomatic reduplication): An intensified form emphasizing continuous, slight fidgeting or impatience.
  • Đứa trẻ nhấp nha nhấp nhổm suốt buổi họp. (The child was fidgeting incessantly throughout the meeting.)
• Bồn chồn (adj): Restless, anxious (often more about internal emotional state).
• Sốt ruột (adj): Impatient, antsy (focuses more on the feeling of impatience).

Synonyms

• Fidgety: Restless and inclined to fidget.
• Restless: Unable to rest or relax due to anxiety or boredom.
• On edge: Nervous, tense, or irritable.
• Antsy: Restless or impatient.

Related Idioms

• Như ngồi trên đống lửa: (Like sitting on a pile of fire) - To be extremely anxious or restless.
  • Chờ tin con, bà như ngồi trên đống lửa. (Waiting for news of her child, she was like sitting on a pile of fire.)
• Nóng lòng: (Hot-hearted) - To be eager/impatient.
  • Các cầu thủ nóng lòng chờ trận đấu bắt đầu. (The players were eager for the match to start.)

1. Be on tenterhooks, be anxious
   • Vừa đến đã nhấp nhổm định về
     To be anxious to go back though one has just come