thoắt thoắt
Definition
- Adjective:
- Nimble, agile, or quick: Describes a movement or action that is very fast, light, and skillful, often with a sense of grace or deftness.
- Brisk and lively: Characterizes an activity or manner that is energetically quick and spirited.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Đôi tay cô thợ dệt thoắt thoắt như múa. (The weaver's hands moved nimbly as if dancing.)
- Cậu bé chạy thoắt thoắt lên trên đồi. (The boy ran briskly up the hill.)
- Anh ấy làm việc một cách thoắt thoắt. (He works in a lively and quick manner.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thoắt thoắt" is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to vividly portray speed and lightness. It is less common in everyday spoken language.
- It can describe not only physical movements but also the quick, efficient execution of a task.
Variants and Related Words
- Thoăn thoắt (adj): This is a direct variant with an identical meaning (nimble, brisk). The words are interchangeable.
- Bàn tay bà thoăn thoắt gói bánh chưng. (Her hands nimbly wrapped the sticky rice cakes.)
Synonyms
- Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action.
- Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.
- Brisk: Active, fast, and energetic.
- Dexterous: Demonstrating neat skill, especially with the hands.
Related Idioms
- While "thoắt thoắt" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is used in a similar descriptive way as the idiom "nhanh như chớp" (fast as lightning) to emphasize speed, though "thoắt thoắt" adds a nuance of graceful skill.