Definition

1. Verb (literary, somewhat archaic):
   • To be about to, to be on the point of: It indicates an imminent intention or action that one is preparing or planning to do. It often carries a formal or poetic tone.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Rắp mượn điền viên vui tuế nguyệt. (One is on the point of retiring into the country to enjoy nature.)
  • Hắn rắp tâm làm điều xấu. (He was about to do something bad / He harbored an ill intent.)

Advanced Usage

• "rắp tâm": to intend, to plan (often with a negative or determined connotation). This is a fixed phrase where "rắp" intensifies the notion of forming an intention.
  • Nó rắp tâm trả thù. (He intended to take revenge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rắp ranh (adj, literary): cunning, crafty, scheming. (Note: This is a related but distinct adjective, not a direct variant of the verb "rắp").

Synonyms

• To be about to: to be on the verge of doing something.
• To intend: to have a plan or purpose.
• To plan: to intend to do something.

Notes on Usage

• The word "rắp" is rarely used in modern, everyday spoken Vietnamese. It is primarily found in classical literature, poetry, or formal, stylized writing.
• In contemporary usage, its meaning is most commonly preserved in the compound "rắp tâm".
• It should not be confused with the more common adjective "rắn" (hard, solid) or the noun "rắn" (snake).

1. Be about to, be on the point of.
   • "Rắp mượn điền viên vui tuế nguyệt " (Nguyễn Công Trứ)
2. One is on the point of retiring into the country to enjoy nature