Definition

1. Adverb (often follows an adjective or verb):

   • Excessively, extremely, very: Used to intensify the degree of an adjective, describing a state that is dense, thick, or intense to a high extent.
   • Very slowly, in a slow trickle: Describes an action, particularly the movement or flow of a liquid, occurring at an extremely slow, almost negligible rate.

2. Reduplicated form "rì rì" (Adverb):

   • Very, very slowly; at an extremely slow and steady pace: An intensified form emphasizing a continuous, minimal, and sluggish movement or state.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Cỏ mọc xanh rì. (The grass grew lushly green.)
  • Bờ bụi rậm rì. (The bushes are extremely thick.)
  • Chậm rì. (Excessively slow.)
• Reduplicated form "rì rì":
  • Vòi nước tắc, chảy rì rì. (The tap is clogged; the water drips very slowly.)
  • Bí rì rì. (To be in a very bad fix / completely stuck.)

Advanced Usage

• "rì rì": This reduplication is the most common form in modern usage. It often carries a slightly onomatopoeic quality, mimicking a faint, continuous sound like a slow drip or whisper.
  • Chiếc đồng hồ cũ chạy rì rì. (The old clock ticks very softly/slowly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rậm rì (Adjective/Adverb): Extremely dense and thick (for vegetation).

  • Khu rừng rậm rì. (The extremely dense forest.)

• Xanh rì (Adjective): A deep, lush, vibrant green.

  • Lá cây xanh rì sau cơn mưa. (The leaves are a lush green after the rain.)

Synonyms

• Extremely: to a very high degree.
• Very: used for emphasis.
• Slowly: at a low speed (for "rì rì").

Notes on Usage

• The word "rì" is almost never used alone in contemporary Vietnamese. It is primarily found following specific adjectives (like , , ) or in its reduplicated form "rì rì".
• It functions as an intensifying adverb, adding a vivid, descriptive emphasis to the word it follows. Its usage is somewhat literary or descriptive.

1. Lush
   • Cỏ mọc xanh rì
     The grass grew lushly green
   • Bờ bụi rậm rì
     Lush bushes
2. Excessively, extremely
   • Chậm rì
     Excessively slow
   • Rì rì (láy, ý tăng)
     Very slow
   • Vòi nước tắc, chảy rì rì
     Water drips very slowly from a clogged up tap
   • Bí rì rì
     To be in a bad fix