nắm nắm nớp nớp
Definition
- Adjective:
- In a state of constant fear and anxiety: Describes a person's appearance or demeanor as being visibly and continuously frightened, worried, or apprehensive.
- Trembling with fear: Suggests a physical manifestation of fear, such as shaking or being on edge due to worry.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cậu bé cứ nắm nắm nớp nớp sau khi xem bộ phim kinh dị. (The boy was in a constant state of fear after watching the horror movie.)
- Nghe tin đồn, mọi người trong làng sống nắm nắm nớp nớp. (Hearing the rumors, everyone in the village lived in a state of continuous apprehension.)
Advanced Usage
- This is a reduplicative compound word, formed by repeating and altering syllables ("nắm" and "nớp"). This structure intensifies the meaning, emphasizing a persistent and uneasy state of fear.
Variants and Related Words
- Nơm nớp (adj): A more common variant with the same meaning of being in a state of fear and dread.
- Cô ấy nơm nớp lo sợ khi đi một mình trong đêm. (She was filled with trepidation walking alone at night.)
Synonyms
- Fearful: Feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety.
- Apprehensive: Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
- Tremulous: Shaking or quivering slightly, often due to nervousness or fear.
Related Idioms
- Sống trong nơm nớp lo âu: To live in constant fear and anxiety.
- Người dân sống trong nơm nớp lo âu vì tội phạm. (The people live in constant fear because of the crime.)