lặn

[lan˧˨ʔ]

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(verb) to dive

Register: informal

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

Examples

Bé đang học lặn dưới nước.The child is learning to dive underwater.
Bọn trẻ đang lặn dưới hồ.The children are diving in the lake.

Editorial example (contributed-collins-enriched)

Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗ Local usage: Lặn is primarily a verb; the English noun “diving” depends on context. [contributed-collins-enriched]

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(verb) to set

Register: informal

Sense 3

Meaning · English

(verb) to hide (from something unpleasant); to be unavailable for a while

Register: informal

Examples

Cái thằng này lặn đâu mất rồi? Hôm nay đến lượt nó trực nhật.Where has he been hiding? It's his turn to do the class chores.
Nó lặn mất tăm rồi. Nó trốn khỏi bọn đòi nợ.He's gone for good. He's hiding from debt collectors.

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sense 4

Meaning · English

(adjective) recessive

Register: informal

Examples

gen lặnrecessive gene

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “lặn” mean?

(verb) to dive

Is “lặn” formal or informal?

lặn is generally informal.