Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Describing a posture of bending down very low, almost to the ground: "ráp rạp" is a reduplicative word (láy) derived from "rạp," used to vividly describe the action or posture of stooping or bowing down extremely low, often while working.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Người nông dân cúi ráp rạp xuống đồng để cấy lúa. (The farmer stooped very low over the field to transplant rice.)
  • Cô ấy phải khom lưng ráp rạp để lấy đồ dưới gầm giường. (She had to bend down very low to get the item from under the bed.)

Advanced Usage

• "cúi ráp rạp": to bow/bend down very low.
  • Ông lão cúi ráp rạp chào vị khách quý. (The old man bowed very low to greet the distinguished guest.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rạp (verb/adjective): to bend down, to lower oneself; describing something low or prostrate.
  • Cây lúa rạp xuống sau cơn bão. (The rice plants bent low after the storm.)
• Rạp mình: to prostrate oneself.
  • Anh ấy rạp mình tránh làn đạn. (He flattened himself to avoid the bullets.)

Synonyms

• Khom lưng: to bend one's back.
• Cúi gằm: to bow one's head low.
• Cúi sát: to bend down close (to the ground).

Notes

• Word Type: "Ráp rạp" is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the root word "rạp." Reduplicative words in Vietnamese often intensify the meaning or create a more vivid, descriptive sound imagery. In this case, "ráp rạp" emphasizes a very deep, sustained, or repeated bending posture compared to the single word "rạp."
• Usage Context: This word is primarily used in descriptive literary or colloquial contexts to depict physical posture, often in relation to labor (like farming) or showing deep respect. It is not commonly used in formal technical writing.

1. xem rạp (láy)