Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Nearing its end, drawing to a close: Describes something that is approaching its conclusion or final stage. This term is literary and somewhat archaic in modern Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Vở kịch đáo đầu rồi mới biết hay dở. (Only when the play was nearing its end could one appreciate it.)
  • Cuộc đời đáo đầu, người ta thường nhìn lại mọi chuyện. (When life is drawing to a close, people often look back on everything.)

Advanced Usage

• Used in literary or formal contexts: The term "đáo đầu" is rarely used in everyday conversation. It is more commonly found in classical literature, philosophical discussions, or formal writing to describe the final phase of a process, event, or even a lifespan.

Variants and Related Words

• Kết thúc (verb): to end, to conclude.
  • Buổi lễ sắp kết thúc. (The ceremony is about to end.)
• Cuối cùng (adjective/adverb): final, finally.
  • Đây là chương cuối cùng của cuốn sách. (This is the final chapter of the book.)
• Chung cuộc (noun): the end, the final outcome.
  • Chung cuộc của trận đấu thật bất ngờ. (The final outcome of the match was surprising.)

Synonyms

• Sắp hết: about to run out, nearly finished.
• Sắp tàn: about to fade/end (often used for light, life, or an era).
• Cận kề: imminent, very near (often used for time or events).

Related Idioms

• "Đáo để": This is a different, more common word meaning "thoroughly," "to the utmost," or "extremely." Do not confuse it with "đáo đầu."
  • Anh ấy là một người đáo để. (He is an extremely thorough person.)

1. (ít dùng) Draw to a close, near its end
   • Vở kịch đáo đầu rồi mới biết hay dở
     Only when the play was nearing its end, could one appreciate it