Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pay attention; to regard; to take notice of: "để ý" means to direct one's mind or focus toward something or someone, often with the intention of observing, understanding, or remembering. It implies a deliberate act of noticing.

Usage

• General Use: Used to indicate that someone is consciously observing or being mindful of a detail, person, or situation.
• Grammar: Often followed by the preposition "đến" (to) when specifying the object of attention, but can also be used without it.
• Nuance: The level of attention in "để ý" can range from casual noticing to careful observation. It is generally less intense or formal than "chú ý" (to pay close attention).

Examples

• Verb:
  • Bạn nên để ý đến lời thầy giảng. (You should pay attention to the teacher's lecture.)
  • Cô ấy để ý thấy chiếc lá đổi màu. (She noticed the leaf changing color.)
  • Đừng để ý đến những lời bình phẩm vô căn cứ. (Don't pay heed to baseless comments.)

Advanced Usage

• "Để ý tới": A variant with "tới", synonymous with "để ý đến".
  • Anh ấy luôn để ý tới từng chi tiết nhỏ trong công việc. (He always pays attention to every small detail in his work.)
• Used in Imperative or Advisory Sentences: Commonly used to give advice or warnings.
  • Để ý! Có một bậc thang đấy. (Watch out! There's a step there.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chú ý (verb): To pay close attention; to concentrate on. This implies a stronger, more focused degree of attention than "để ý".
• Lưu ý (verb): To note; to take note of; to point out for special attention. Often used in formal or instructional contexts.
• Quan tâm (verb): To care about; to be concerned with. This involves emotional investment, not just observation.
• Để tâm (verb): To mind; to bother about. Similar to "để ý" but can imply a more sustained or thoughtful consideration.

Synonyms

• Chăm chú: To be attentive; to gaze intently.
• Ghi nhận: To note; to record (often used in formal reporting).
• Nhận thấy: To perceive; to realize.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Để ý đến / tới: To pay attention to (someone/something).
  • Bố mẹ cần để ý đến cảm xúc của con cái. (Parents need to pay attention to their children's emotions.)

Related Idioms

• Để bụng: To take something to heart; to bear a grudge (literally: to put in the stomach). This is different from "để ý" as it implies holding onto negative feelings.
  • Anh ấy là người không để bụng chuyện nhỏ. (He is a person who doesn't take small matters to heart.)
• Không để ý: To not pay attention; to overlook.
  • Tôi xin lỗi, tôi đã không để ý thấy bạn. (I'm sorry, I didn't notice you.)

verb

1. to pay attention; to regard; to take notice of