tớp
Definition
Verb:
- To snap up / to snatch: To quickly seize or grab something, especially with the mouth, in a single, swift motion. Often used for animals or people taking food or bait abruptly.
- To gulp down: To eat or drink something very quickly and eagerly.
Adverb:
- Promptly / immediately / right away: Used to urge someone to do something quickly or without delay.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- Con chó tớp miếng thịt. (The dog snapped up the piece of meat.)
- Nó tớp cốc nước một hơi. (He gulped down the glass of water in one go.)
Adverb:
- Làm tớp đi! (Do it right away!)
- Đi tớp về tớp. (Go and come back immediately.)
Advanced Usage
- The verb form often implies a sense of greed, haste, or voraciousness when taking something.
- The adverbial form is informal and used as a command or strong suggestion to hurry.
Variants and Related Words
- Tớp mồi (verb phrase): To take the bait (literally, to snap at the bait). Used both literally for fish/animals and figuratively for someone falling for a trick.
- Con cá đã tớp mồi. (The fish took the bait.)
Synonyms
- Verb: Snatch, grab, seize, gulp, devour.
- Adverb: Immediately, instantly, promptly, swiftly.
Related Idioms
- Ăn tớp: To eat very quickly and ravenously.
- Nó ăn tớp bữa trưa rồi chạy đi. (He wolfed down his lunch and ran off.)