trửng

Một con trửng đang đào hang trên đồng cỏ.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To swallow whole: The primary meaning of "trửng" is to ingest something, typically food or an object, completely and without chewing. It often implies a rapid or greedy action.
   • To gulp down: It can describe the act of drinking or eating something quickly and in large amounts.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Con rắn trửng con chuột. (The snake swallows the mouse whole.)
  • Đứa trẻ trửng viên kẹo. (The child gulps down the candy.)
  • Anh ta trửng cạn ly nước. (He gulps down the entire glass of water.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "trửng" is considered somewhat literary or formal in modern Vietnamese and is less common in everyday speech than its synonym "nuốt." It may be used for stylistic effect.

Variants and Related Words

• Nuốt trửng (v): This is a more common compound phrase meaning "to swallow whole." The word "trửng" is most frequently encountered in this fixed combination.
  • Cá lớn nuốt trửng cá bé. (The big fish swallows the small fish whole.)

Synonyms

• Nuốt: to swallow (the most common and general synonym).
• Đớp: to snap up (often used for animals catching prey with the mouth).
• Uống ừng ực: to gulp down (specifically for liquids, emphasizing sound and speed).

Notes on Usage

• "Trửng" is rarely used alone in contemporary Vietnamese. Its meaning is almost always conveyed by the compound "nuốt trửng." When used alone, it carries the same core meaning but may sound archaic or poetic.
• It typically describes a single, complete action of ingestion and is not used for the gradual process of eating or drinking.