Definition

1. Verb:
   • To curl up / to huddle: To pull one's limbs close to the body, making oneself appear smaller or more compact, often for warmth, comfort, or to occupy less space.
   • To receive a television signal / to televise: In technical contexts, particularly older usage, it refers to the act of a television set receiving a broadcast signal or the process of television broadcasting itself.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Con mèo thu hình lại trên ghế sofa. (The cat curled up on the sofa.)
  • Đứa trẻ thu hình trong góc phòng. (The child huddled in the corner of the room.)
  • Máy thu hình đã bắt được sóng. (The television set has received the signal.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is less common in modern everyday Vietnamese for its technical meaning, with terms like "thu tín hiệu" (to receive a signal) or "truyền hình" (television) being more frequent.
• The physical action of "thu hình" often implies a defensive, protective, or resting posture.

Variants and Related Words

• Tự thu hình (v): to curl oneself up.

  • Nó tự thu hình lại khi ngủ. (It curls itself up when sleeping.)

• Máy thu hình (n): television receiver, TV set (an older term).

  • Chiếc máy thu hình cũ vẫn hoạt động tốt. (The old television set still works well.)

Synonyms

• Co lại: to contract, to shrink.
• Cuộn tròn: to roll up into a ball.
• Thu nhỏ: to make oneself smaller.

Related Idioms

• Thu hình tự vệ: to curl up in a defensive posture.
  • Con nhím thu hình tự vệ khi bị đe dọa. (The hedgehog curls up defensively when threatened.)