thấm
/tʰəm˧˥/To absorb or soak up liquid or moisture.
Áo của tôi thấm nước khi tôi rơi vào hồ.
My shirt got soaked when I fell into the pond.
Commonly used for liquids penetrating materials.
To be deeply affected by emotions or ideas.
Tôi thấm vào âm nhạc đó.
I was deeply moved by that music.
Used metaphorically for emotional or intellectual absorption.
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💡Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Pay attention to context to distinguish between physical absorption (e.g., water soaking into paper) and emotional absorption (e.g., being deeply moved by something).
⚡Gold Rule
Context is Key
The meaning of 'thấm' depends heavily on the context. Physical contexts refer to liquids, while abstract contexts refer to emotions or ideas.
📖Word Origin
From the root 'thấm' meaning to penetrate or absorb, likely related to the physical process of liquids soaking into materials.
📝Usage Notes
In Vietnamese, 'thấm' can describe both physical absorption and metaphorical emotional or intellectual absorption. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.