Definition

1. Verb:

   • To get ready / to prepare to move: To begin making small, often quiet or subtle, preparatory movements or actions in anticipation of starting a journey or an activity.
   • To stir / to begin to move: To show initial signs of activity or movement after a period of stillness or inactivity.

2. Adverb:

   • On the verge of / about to: Describes a state where an action is imminent and preliminary preparations are subtly underway.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Chúng nó rục rịch lên đường. (They are getting ready to start their journey.)
  • Mọi người đã rục rịch dọn dẹp trước khi khách tới. (Everyone had started to stir and tidy up before the guests arrived.)

• Adverb:

  • Trời rục rịch chuyển mưa. (The weather is on the verge of turning to rain.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often implies a collective or contained activity that is not yet fully visible or loud, but is in its initial, preparatory stages. It carries a nuance of hushed or gradual commencement.

Variants and Related Words

• Rục rịch rục rịch (adv): A reduplicated form emphasizing the continuous, gradual nature of the preparatory activity.
  • Họ rục rịch rục rịch chuẩn bị từ sáng sớm. (They were busily and gradually preparing from early morning.)

Synonyms

• To prepare: To make ready.
• To stir: To begin to move.
• To be about to: To be on the point of doing something.

Related Idioms

• Rục rịch như kiến: (To stir/bustle like ants) Describes a scene of many people engaged in quiet, busy, preparatory activity.
  • Cả xóm rục rịch như kiến trước ngày hội. (The whole village was stirring like ants before the festival day.)

verb

1. to get ready
   • chúng nó rục rịch lên đường
     They get ready to start