ti tỉ
Definition
Adjective:
- Numerous, countless, a great many: Used to describe a very large, indefinite number of things or people, often implying the number is too many to count easily. It emphasizes a sense of multitude.
- In tiny, continuous amounts: Describes something happening or being done in a very small, fine, or persistent manner, often related to crying or dripping.
Adverb:
- In a continuous, fine, or persistent trickle or manner: Modifies a verb to indicate an action, like crying or speaking, done softly, thinly, and without stopping.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Trên cành cây có ti tỉ con chim. (There are countless birds on the tree branch.)
- Cô bé khóc ti tỉ cả buổi chiều. (The little girl cried softly and persistently all afternoon.)
Adverb:
- Nước mắt cô ấy rơi ti tỉ. (Her tears fell in a continuous, fine trickle.)
- Nó than vãn ti tỉ về bài tập. (He complained incessantly and whiningly about the homework.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is often reduplicated for emphasis (ti ti tỉ tỉ), further intensifying the meaning of "a huge number" or "a continuous, fine stream."
- Công việc ti ti tỉ tỉ, không biết bao giờ mới xong. (There's a mountain of tiny tasks; I don't know when they'll ever be finished.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ti ti (adj, adv): An alternate, slightly less common form with the same meanings as .
- Đứa trẻ khóc ti ti. (The child is crying softly and persistently.)
Synonyms
- Numerous: existing in great numbers.
- Countless: too many to be counted.
- Incessantly: without interruption; constantly.
- Persistently: in a persistent manner.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Khóc ti tỉ: To cry softly, whimper, or snivel continuously.
- Đừng có khóc ti tỉ như vậy nữa. (Stop sniveling like that.)
- Ti tỉ thứ: A phrase meaning "a myriad of things" or "all sorts of countless things."
- Trong túi nó có ti tỉ thứ linh tinh. (He has all sorts of countless little things in his pocket.)