thèm thèm

Mẹ mua thèm thèm hai đấu gạo.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slightly lacking / a little short: Describes a state where there is a small, noticeable deficiency or shortage of something, often implying that a little more is needed to reach sufficiency or satisfaction.
   • A mild craving / a slight desire: Expresses a low-intensity, persistent want or longing for something, often food or drink, but not an overwhelming need.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi cảm thấy thèm thèm một tách cà phê. (I feel a slight craving for a cup of coffee.)
  • Số gạo này thèm thèm hai cân nữa mới đủ. (This amount of rice is still about two kilograms short.)
  • Ăn xong vẫn thấy thèm thèm. (After eating, I still feel a little peckish.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is a reduplication of the base adjective "thèm" (to crave, to desire). The reduplication softens the intensity, changing it from a strong craving to a mild, lingering one, or from a definite lack to a slight shortfall.
• It often carries a colloquial and somewhat subjective tone, describing a personal feeling of mild insufficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• Thèm (v/adj): to crave, to desire strongly.
  • Tôi thèm ăn bánh ngọt. (I crave sweet cake.)

Synonyms

• Slightly short: a little insufficient, a bit lacking.
• Peckish: a mild desire for food.
• A tinge of desire: a faint longing.

Related Idioms

• Thèm thèm nhớ nhớ: to miss someone or something faintly and persistently.
  • Đi xa, lòng cứ thèm thèm nhớ nhớ quê nhà. (Being far away, my heart feels a persistent, faint longing for home.)