Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| cầm | [kəm˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kəm˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| giữ | [zɨ˦ˀ˥] (Hà Nội, narrow) [jɨ˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
| nắm | [nam˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [nam˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
Vietnamese uses different verbs for 'hold' based on how the object is being gripped or what the intention is. Cầm is used to mean holding something in the hand or fingers, often implying carrying or possessing something. Nắm implies a firmer or more active grip, such as grasping a handle or clutching something. Giữ chặt is the specific phrase used when you want to say 'hold tightly'.
Which one should you use?
The choice between words depends on the type of grip: cầm refers specifically to holding something in the hand or fingers, while nắm implies a firmer or more active grip, like clutching a hand or a handle. For specific social actions, nắm tay is used for the act of holding hands, whereas cầm tay is used when someone physically takes another's hand to guide or comfort them.
Did you know?
- The word cầm is so versatile that depending on the original Chinese character used, it can mean 'to hold', 'a musical instrument' or 'a bird'.
- In Vietnamese, the act of holding a secret or maintaining a position is expressed using giữ, whereas physical grasping uses cầm or nắm.
Examples in context
- Cầm nó hộ mình.Hold that for me.This sentence shows how to ask someone to hold an object using cầm.Tatoeba #6285764 by moriole, translation #2648824 by CK
- Tom nắm chắc sợi dây.Tom grabbed a hold of the rope.This sentence illustrates the use of nắm for grabbing a rope.Tatoeba #8978164 by dotheduyet1999, translation #1025631 by CK
- Tôi cầm đũa bằng tay trái.I hold chopsticks in my left hand.This sentence demonstrates using cầm for holding chopsticks.Tatoeba #13382151 by leucammieuvu, translation #10903684 by CK
- Bạn có thể giữ giúp tôi cái này được không?Could you please hold this for me?
- Hãy cầm chặt vào lan can để an toàn.Hold tightly onto the railing to stay safe.
- Tôi sẽ nắm giữ kỷ niệm này mãi mãi.I will hold onto this memory forever.
- Nắm lấy tay tôi và đừng buông.Hold my hand and don't let go.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh asks Hương to help him with his shopping bags.
- MinhHương ơi, em cầm hộ anh túi này được không?Hương, can you hold this bag for me?
- HươngDạ được, anh đưa đây.Yes, give it to me.
- MinhCảm ơn em nhiều nhé.Thank you very much.
- HươngKhông có gì đâu ạ.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hold” translations and entries cầm, giữ, nắm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cầm, giữ, nắm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
