Definition

Adverb: Describes the sound of gentle, rhythmic chewing, typically of something soft. It imitates the sound itself.

Usage

• tóp tép is used to describe the sound of chewing, often in a slow, deliberate, and audible manner. It is almost always paired with the verb nhai (to chew).
  • Bà cụ ngồi nhai trầu tóp tép. (The old lady sat chewing betel with a gentle munching sound.)
  • Đứa trẻ nhai kẹo cao su tóp tép. (The child chewed gum munchingly.)

Advanced Usage

• It can be used metaphorically or humorously to describe any small, repetitive, soft sound that resembles chewing.
  • Máy in cũ kêu tóp tép. (The old printer made a munching, clicking sound.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tóp (onomatopoeia): A shorter, single sound representing a small bite or chew. Often reduplicated as tóp tép for the rhythmic effect.
• Lóp tóp (onomatopoeia): A similar sound, sometimes used for softer or wetter chewing.

Synonyms

• Nhồm nhoàm (adverb): Describes eating or chewing greedily, messily, and noisily. It implies a louder, less delicate sound than tóp tép.
• Chóp chép (onomatopoeia): Another word for a chewing sound, often for something juicier or with more lip-smacking.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nhai tóp tép: This is the standard collocation, meaning "to chew with a soft, rhythmic sound."

adv

1. munchingly