Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Frequently, often: Indicates a high frequency of occurrence or repetition of an action or event.
   • Diligently, industriously: In some contexts, implies doing something with consistent effort or regularity.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy năng đến thư viện. (He often goes to the library.)
  • Dao năng liếc thì sắc. (A knife sharpened often stays sharp. / A many a time stroped knife is sharp.)
  • Cô ấy năng viết thư cho gia đình. (She frequently writes letters to her family.)

Advanced Usage

• "Năng nhặt chặt bị": An idiom meaning "Many a little makes a mickle" or "Little and often fills the purse." It emphasizes that diligent, frequent gathering or saving leads to a substantial result.
  • Hãy tiết kiệm, năng nhặt chặt bị mà. (You should save; many a little makes a mickle.)
• "Năng tắm năng mát": An idiom suggesting that a frequently used or maintained path (or thing) remains in good condition, or conversely, that over-familiarity can breed contempt. It often translates to "A beaten path grows no grass."
  • Con đường này sạch sẽ vì năng tắm năng mát. (This path is clean because it's well-trodden.)

Variants and Related Words

• Siêng năng (adj): Diligent, industrious. This is a compound word where 'năng' contributes the meaning of consistent effort.
  • Cô ấy là một học sinh siêng năng. (She is a diligent student.)
• Chăm chỉ (adj): A close synonym for 'siêng năng', meaning hard-working, diligent.

Synonyms

• Thường xuyên: Regularly, frequently.
• Hay: Often (in the sense of frequency).
• Liên tục: Continuously.

Related Phrases

• Năng lui năng tới: To come and go frequently.
  • Anh ta năng lui năng tới cửa hàng này. (He comes to this store very often.)
• Năng nỗ: An archaic or literary term meaning diligent, making great effort.
  • Làm việc năng nỗ. (To work diligently.)

Related Idioms

• Người năng chào thì quen: Literally "A person who greets often becomes familiar." Similar to "A constant guest is never welcome" but with a positive twist, meaning friendliness leads to familiarity.
  • Nhớ chào hỏi mọi người, người năng chào thì quen mà. (Remember to greet everyone; a person who greets often becomes familiar.)

1. Frequently, often, many a time
   • Dao năng liếc thì sắc (tục ngữ)
     A many a time stroped knife is sharp
   • Năng nhặt chặt bị, xem chặt