giậm chân tại chỗ

[zəm˧˨ʔ t͡ɕən˧˧ taːj˧˨ʔ t͡ɕo˦ˀ˥]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(verb) to walk on the spot

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(verb) to make no headway or progress; to mark time; to tread water

Common questions

What does “giậm chân tại chỗ” mean?

(verb) to walk on the spot

Is “giậm chân tại chỗ” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.