Definition

1. Verb:
   • To collect, to gather: The primary meaning of "tom góp" is to bring together small amounts or scattered items over time to form a larger whole. It implies a process of accumulation from various sources.
   • To scrape together, to save bit by bit: Often used in financial contexts, it means to save or collect money in small increments, typically with effort or difficulty.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy tom góp từng đồng để mua sách. (She saved every penny to buy books.)
  • Anh ấy tom góp tài liệu từ nhiều nguồn khác nhau cho bài nghiên cứu. (He gathered documents from many different sources for his research.)
  • Họ đã tom góp được một số tiền nhỏ để giúp đỡ gia đình khó khăn. (They managed to scrape together a small amount of money to help the family in need.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb often carries a nuance of diligent, patient, and sometimes frugal effort. It is not used for a single, large acquisition but for the gradual result of many small actions.
• It can be used for both tangible items (money, objects) and intangible things (information, experiences).

Variants and Related Words

• Gom góp (v): A near-synonym, also meaning to gather or collect bit by bit. The terms are often used interchangeably.
  • Bà lão gom góp ve chai mỗi ngày. (The old woman collects scrap metal every day.)

Synonyms

• Collect: To bring items together from different places.
• Gather: To come or bring together.
• Scrape together: To collect or assemble with difficulty, especially money.
• Amass: To accumulate a large quantity (though "amass" can imply a larger scale).

Related Idioms

• While "tom góp" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept is central to expressions about frugality and patience, such as "tích tiểu thành đại" (many a little makes a mickle).

verb

1. to collect, to take (from.)