Definition

1. Verb:
   • To appear and disappear intermittently; to peek in and out: Refers to a hesitant, fleeting, or furtive appearance, often from behind something. It describes something or someone that is partially visible, briefly showing itself before hiding again.
   • To hover hesitantly; to loiter indecisively: Describes the action of lingering at a threshold or edge, wanting to enter or approach but being too shy, afraid, or uncertain to do so.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ thập thò sau cánh cửa. (The child peeked in and out from behind the door.)
  • Bóng người thập thò ngoài cửa sổ. (A figure appeared and disappeared outside the window.)
  • Cậu ấy thập thò ở cổng, không dám vào nhà. (He hovered hesitantly at the gate, not daring to enter the house.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often conveys a sense of timidity, secrecy, or nervous anticipation. It is frequently used to describe the actions of children, shy people, or someone observing a situation without wanting to be fully seen or committed.

Variants and Related Words

• Thấp tho (v): A common variant with the same meaning as "thập thò."
• Thấp thoáng (v): To be faintly or intermittently visible; to glimpse. This word emphasizes a more distant or fleeting visual impression rather than the hesitant movement of "thập thò."
  • Ngọn núi thấp thoáng trong sương. (The mountain was faintly visible in the mist.)

Synonyms

• To peek: To look quickly or secretly.
• To hover: To remain in one place in the air, or by extension, to linger uncertainly.
• To loiter: To stand or wait around without apparent purpose.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Thập thò bên cửa: To hover at the door. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the core meaning of hesitating to enter.
  • Thấy khách lạ, đứa bé chỉ dám thập thò bên cửa. (Seeing the stranger, the child only dared to hover at the door.)