Definition

1. Verb:

   • To snap up / to snatch: To quickly seize or grab something, especially with the mouth, in a single, swift motion. Often used for animals or people taking food or bait abruptly.
   • To gulp down: To eat or drink something very quickly and eagerly.

2. Adverb:

   • Promptly / immediately / right away: Used to urge someone to do something quickly or without delay.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Con chó tớp miếng thịt. (The dog snapped up the piece of meat.)
  • Nó tớp cốc nước một hơi. (He gulped down the glass of water in one go.)

• Adverb:

  • Làm tớp đi! (Do it right away!)
  • Đi tớp về tớp. (Go and come back immediately.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb form often implies a sense of greed, haste, or voraciousness when taking something.
• The adverbial form is informal and used as a command or strong suggestion to hurry.

Variants and Related Words

• Tớp mồi (verb phrase): To take the bait (literally, to snap at the bait). Used both literally for fish/animals and figuratively for someone falling for a trick.
  • Con cá đã tớp mồi. (The fish took the bait.)

Synonyms

• Verb: Snatch, grab, seize, gulp, devour.
• Adverb: Immediately, instantly, promptly, swiftly.

Related Idioms

• Ăn tớp: To eat very quickly and ravenously.
  • Nó ăn tớp bữa trưa rồi chạy đi. (He wolfed down his lunch and ran off.)