nắm

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The Vietnamese word "nắm" can be used both as a verb and a noun, and it has several meanings depending on the context.

Basic Meaning:

1. As a Verb: "nắm" means "to hold," "to grasp," or "to seize." It describes the action of taking something firmly in your hand or controlling something.

   • Example: "Nắm lấy cơ hội" means "to grasp the opportunity," indicating that you should take advantage of a good chance when it arises.

2. As a Noun: "nắm" refers to a "handful," "wisp," or "fistful." This meaning is often used when referring to a small amount of something that can be held in one hand.

   • Example: "Một nắm gạo" means "a handful of rice," indicating a small quantity of rice that you can hold in your hand.

Usage Instructions:

• In Verb Form: Use "nắm" when you want to express the action of holding or seizing something. It often requires an object that you are holding onto.

  • Example: "Tôi nắm tay bạn." (I hold your hand.)

• In Noun Form: Use "nắm" when quantifying items that can be grasped or held in a small amount.

  • Example: "Cho tôi một nắm muối." (Give me a handful of salt.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Nắm" can also be used in idiomatic expressions in Vietnamese, often conveying a sense of control or mastery over a situation or subject.
  • Example: "Nắm rõ kiến thức" means "to have a firm grasp of knowledge," indicating a thorough understanding.

Word Variants:

• Nắm bắt: This phrase means "to catch" or "to grasp" in a more abstract sense, often referring to understanding or comprehending something.
  • Example: "Nắm bắt thông tin" means "to catch information" or "to understand the information."

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "nắm" can refer to the act of taking control or commanding something, not just physically holding it.
• It can also imply a sense of possession or ownership, such as in "nắm quyền" (to hold power).

Synonyms:

• Giữ: means "to keep" or "to hold."
• Cầm: means "to hold" or "to carry," but it typically refers to holding something with your hand.
• Tóm: means "to grab" or "to seize," usually in a more aggressive context.

Academic

verb

1. to hold; to grasp; to seize
   • nắm lấy cơ hội
     to grasp the opportunity. handful;wisp; fistful
   • một nắm gạo
     a handful of rice