Definition

1. Adverb (often used with a verb):
   • To have already done (something, often inadvertently or irrevocably): Indicates that an action has been initiated or completed, usually with a sense that it was done carelessly, by mistake, or without full forethought, and now cannot be easily undone. It carries connotations of "already gone and done it" or "having crossed a point of no return."

Usage Examples

• Adverb + Verb:
  • Tôi đã trót hứa giúp họ rồi. (I have already (gone and) promised to help them.)
  • Nó đã trót ăn hết bánh. (He/she already (carelessly) ate all the cake.)
  • Chúng ta đã trót đến đây thì nên vào xem. (Since we've already come this far, we should go in and see.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "đã trót... thì..." is a common construction meaning "since (we/I/they) have already (done X)... then..." It is used to justify a subsequent action based on the irreversible first action.
  • Đã trót mua vé thì phải đi xem. (Since we've already bought the tickets, we have to go see the show.)
  • Đã trót nói dối thì phải nói dối đến cùng. (Since you've already lied, you have to stick with the lie.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trót (v, adv): To do inadvertently; to have done (something unwise or irreversible). Often used similarly to "đã trót" but can be more concise.
  • Trót lỡ (v): A near-synonymous compound emphasizing a mistake or a regrettable action that has been committed.

    • Anh ấy trót lỡ yêu cô ta. (He had the misfortune of falling in love with her.)

Synonyms

• To have already (gone and) done something: Emphasizes the completed and often rash nature of the act.
• To have inadvertently committed: Stresses the accidental or unthinking aspect.
• To be past the point of no return: Emphasizes the irreversibility.

Related Idioms

• Trót dại: To have foolishly done something.
  • Nó trót dại nghe lời bạn xấu. (He foolishly listened to bad friends.)
• Trót đâm lao thì phải theo lao: An idiom meaning "having thrust the spear, one must follow it." Equivalent to "in for a penny, in for a pound" or "having started, one must see it through." It directly relates to the irrevocable commitment implied by "đã trót."