thập thò
Definition
- 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.)