Definition

1. Verb:

   • To be eager to / to be about to: To be in a state of readiness or show an obvious intention to do something, often prematurely or before it is appropriate.
   • To be fidgety with anticipation: To show visible, often restless, excitement or eagerness about a planned action.

2. Adjective:

   • Secretly delighted / gleeful: To be quietly or inwardly happy, pleased, or amused about something.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Học chưa thuộc bài đã tấp tểnh đi chơi. (He was eager to go play before he had even memorized his lesson.)
  • Đứa trẻ tấp tểnh mở món quà. (The child was fidgeting with anticipation to open the gift.)

• Adjective:

  • Lòng riêng tấp tểnh mừng thầm. (Inside, she was secretly delighted.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a slightly negative or judgmental connotation when used as a verb, implying the action is hasty or ill-timed.
• As an adjective, it describes a private, contained emotion that is not openly displayed.

Variants and Related Words

• Tấp tửng: An older or variant form with a similar meaning of being eager or preparing to do something.

Synonyms

• To be about to: To be on the point of doing something.
• To be intent on: To be determined to do something.
• Gleeful: Full of high-spirited delight.
• To fidget: To make small movements due to nervousness or impatience.

Related Idioms

• While "tấp tểnh" itself is not commonly part of a fixed idiom, its usage often paints a picture of someone whose premature eagerness is obvious to others.