Definition

1. Verb:
   • To struggle, to fight (often covertly or politically): Refers to engaging in conflict, competition, or infighting, typically within an organization or group, to gain advantage, power, or position. It implies a contentious and often underhanded rivalry.
   • To attack, to undermine: Can describe actions aimed at weakening or harming a rival's standing through criticism, schemes, or political maneuvers.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai công ty lớn liên tục đấu đá trên thị trường. (The two large companies are constantly struggling/fighting on the market.)
  • Bên trong đảng chính trị, các phe phái luôn đấu đá lẫn nhau. (Within the political party, factions are always fighting/undermining each other.)
  • Họ dùng báo chí để đấu đá đối thủ. (They used the press to attack their opponent.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "đấu đá" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a dirty, intense, or prolonged power struggle rather than healthy competition. It is frequently used in contexts of politics, business, or any hierarchical structure.
• It can describe both the action and the ongoing state of conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Đấu tranh (verb): To struggle, to fight (often for a cause, can be positive or neutral). This is a more general term.
• Cạnh tranh (verb): To compete (generally in business or economics, can be neutral).
• Chơi xấu (verb phrase): To play dirty, to use underhanded tactics. This captures the unethical aspect often associated with .
• Nội bộ đấu đá (noun phrase): Internal strife/infighting.

Synonyms

• Tranh giành: To contend for, to scramble for (power, position).
• Chống lại nhau: To oppose each other.
• Mâu thuẫn nội bộ: Internal conflict.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Đấu đá lẫn nhau: To fight/struggle with each other (mutual action is emphasized).
• Đấu đá chính trị: To engage in political infighting.

Related Idioms

• While "đấu đá" itself is commonly used as a stand-alone term, it is central to phrases describing power dynamics, such as:
  • Cuộc đấu đá quyền lực: A power struggle.
  • Vòng xoáy đấu đá: A vicious cycle of infighting.

1. Struggle, attack
   • Đấu đá nhau tranh giành địa vị
     To struggle with one another for power