Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be promoted / to advance in rank: The primary meaning of "ăn lên" is to obtain a promotion or to move up to a higher position, grade, or rank within a professional, military, or organizational hierarchy.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy đã ăn lên chức trưởng phòng. (He was promoted to department head.)
  • Nhờ thành tích tốt, cô ấy ăn lên rất nhanh. (Thanks to good performance, she advanced in rank very quickly.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is typically used in formal or professional contexts related to career progression. It implies a structured system of ranks or grades.

Variants and Related Words

• Thăng chức (v): to be promoted (a more common and direct synonym).

  • Cô ấy vừa được thăng chức. (She just got a promotion.)

• Tiến thân (v): to advance oneself, to make one's way (broader, focusing on career advancement).

  • Anh ấy biết cách tiến thân trong công ty. (He knows how to advance himself in the company.)

Synonyms

• To be promoted: to be raised to a higher position or rank.
• To advance: to move forward in one's career or rank.

Notes on Usage

• "Ăn lên" is a specific, somewhat formal phrase. In modern, everyday conversation, "thăng chức" or "được thăng chức" is more frequently used to express the concept of promotion.