ậc
Definition
- Interjection:
- A guttural sound expressing sudden discomfort or strain: Used to represent a short, choked, or grunting sound made when experiencing a physical jolt, swallowing with difficulty, or exerting force.
- An exclamation of mild surprise or being taken aback: Can indicate a moment of being slightly startled or caught off guard.
Usage Examples
- Interjection:
- "Ặc!" anh ấy kêu lên khi uống phải ngụm nước quá nóng. ("Ugh!" he exclaimed when he drank a mouthful of water that was too hot.)
- Cô ấy "ặc" một tiếng khi bưng vật nặng. (She let out a "grunt" when lifting the heavy object.)
Advanced Usage
- "ực ặc": A reduplicated form often used to represent repeated choking sounds or the sound of struggling to swallow.
- Đứa bé ho ực ặc. (The child coughed with choking sounds.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ực (interjection): A very similar interjection for a gulping or choking sound, often considered a variant.
- Nó uống một hơi rồi ực một cái. (He drank in one go and then made a gulping sound.)
Synonyms
- Ugh: An exclamation of disgust or discomfort.
- Grunt: A short, low sound made from effort or strain.
- Gulp: The sound or action of swallowing quickly or with difficulty.
Notes on Usage
- "Ặc" is primarily an onomatopoeic interjection. It is informal and is used more in spoken language or in writing to directly represent a sound made by a person.
- It is not used as a standard verb or noun. Its meaning is entirely tied to the expression of a momentary physical reaction or sound.