Definition

1. Verb:

   • To measure (capacity/volume): The primary meaning of "đong lường" is to determine the capacity or volume of a substance, typically a granular solid (like rice) or a liquid, using a standard container such as a cup, bowl, or bushel.
   • To measure out / to portion: It involves the action of taking a specific, measured quantity from a larger amount.

2. Noun (less common):

   • The act or method of measuring by capacity: Refers to the system or process of measurement using units of volume.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người bán hàng đong lường gạo cho khách. (The shopkeeper measures out rice for the customer.)
  • Công thức này yêu cầu phải đong lường bột mì thật chính xác. (This recipe requires the flour to be measured very precisely.)
• Noun:
  • Đong lường là phương pháp đo lường cổ xưa. (Measuring by capacity is an ancient method of measurement.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in traditional, agricultural, or market contexts where goods are sold by volume rather than by weight. It implies a degree of approximation compared to precise scientific measurement.
• It can be used figuratively to suggest assessing intangible things, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Đong (v): Often used interchangeably with "đong lường," meaning to measure by volume. It is the more common, shorter form.
  • Đong một lít nước. (To measure out one liter of water.)
• Đo lường (v): A broader term meaning "to measure" in a general sense, applicable to length, weight, volume, or other quantitative attributes.
  • Đo lường khoảng cách. (To measure distance.)

Synonyms

• To measure (by volume): The general act of determining capacity.
• To portion out: To divide into measured amounts.
• To mete out: To distribute in measured quantities (often formal/literary).

Related Idioms

• Đong đưa: This is a distinct, homophonic word meaning "to swing" or "to sway." It is not related to measurement.
• While "đong lường" itself is not commonly used in idioms, the concept appears in proverbs about fairness in commerce.