Definition

Noun: - Childhood, early childhood: Refers to the period of being a very young child, from infancy to early youth. This word specifically emphasizes the tender, small, and formative stage of life. It is often used in literary or reflective contexts to evoke nostalgia or describe one's origins.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy đã mồ côi từ tấm bé. (He has been an orphan since childhood.)
  • Từ thuở tấm bé, cô ấy đã yêu thích âm nhạc. (Since early childhood, she has loved music.)
  • Những kỷ niệm tấm bé thật đẹp đẽ. (Memories from childhood are truly beautiful.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• Usage Restriction: The word "tấm bé" is used in a limited combinatory capacity. It is typically used in prepositional phrases (e.g., ) and is not commonly used as the subject of a sentence. For instance, one would not typically say " ("My childhood...") using this term as the subject. For such constructions, the more common noun "tuổi thơ" is preferred.
• Stylistic Tone: It carries a somewhat literary, tender, and nostalgic tone, often found in written narratives or sentimental speech rather than in casual, everyday conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Tuổi thơ (noun): Childhood. A more general and commonly used synonym for "tấm bé".
• Thời thơ ấu (noun): Childhood, early years. Similar in meaning but can sound slightly more formal.
• Bé bỏng (adjective): Very small and young (often describing a child). While an adjective, it relates to the same concept of tender youth.

Synonyms

• Thời niên thiếu: Youth, early youth (a slightly broader stage than "tấm bé").
• Buổi đầu đời: The beginning of life.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Từ thuở tấm bé: From (since) early childhood. A fixed, common phrase.
  • Từ thuở tấm bé, nó đã tỏ ra thông minh. (From early childhood, he showed intelligence.)
• Từ tấm bé: Since childhood. Another common prepositional phrase.
  • Cô ấy đã sống ở đây từ tấm bé. (She has lived here since childhood.)

noun

1. childhood