Definition

1. Noun:

   • A double handful: The quantity of a loose, granular, or liquid substance that can be held in the cupped palms of both hands placed together.

2. Verb:

   • To scoop (with one's hands): To take up a substance (like rice, sand, or water) using one or both hands cupped together, with the fingers held closely to prevent the substance from falling through.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Mẹ lấy một vốc gạo để nấu cháo. (Mother took a double handful of rice to cook porridge.)
  • Chỉ còn lại vài vốc đậu trong bao. (There are only a few double handfuls of beans left in the sack.)

• Verb:

  • Cậu bé vốc nước lên rửa mặt. (The boy scooped water up to wash his face.)
  • Bà vốc gạo cho vào nồi. (She scooped rice into the pot.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "vốc" inherently describes an action or measurement using the bare hands. It implies a natural, direct, and often unmeasured way of handling materials, contrasting with the use of tools like spoons or cups.
• It is commonly used with substances that are small, loose, or fluid, such as rice, sand, grain, water, or salt.

Variants and Related Words

• Nắm (v/n): to grasp / a handful (using one hand, often a closed fist).
  • Một nắm muối (a handful of salt).
• Múc (v): to ladle, to scoop (typically using a tool like a spoon or ladle).
  • Múc canh bằng thìa (to ladle soup with a spoon).

Synonyms

• Noun: Double handful, cupped handful.
• Verb: To scoop (with hands), to cup (and lift).

Related Idioms

• Vừa bằng một vốc tay: Describes something very small, delicate, or tiny enough to fit in a cupped hand. It is often used affectionately for small animals or babies.
  • Chú mèo con mới đẻ vừa bằng một vốc tay. (The newborn kitten is just the size of a cupped handful.)

noun

1. a double handful

verb

1. to scoop