Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be fond of, to like: "Ưa" expresses a feeling of fondness, preference, or enjoyment towards someone or something. It indicates a positive inclination.
   • To thrive in, to be suited to: "Ưa" describes a natural compatibility or suitability, often used for plants, animals, or things that do well under specific conditions.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to like):
  • Tôi rất ưa nhạc cổ điển. (I am very fond of classical music.)
  • Cô ấy không ưa người nói dối. (She does not like people who lie.)
• Verb (to be suited to):
  • Loài hoa này ưa bóng râm. (This type of flower thrives in the shade.)
  • Giống lúa này ưa khí hậu nóng ẩm. (This rice variety is suited to hot and humid climates.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ưa nhìn": pleasant to look at, good-looking.
  • Căn nhà mới xây trông rất ưa nhìn. (The newly built house looks very pleasant.)
• "Ưa dùng": to be fond of using, to prefer to use (often for products).
  • Sản phẩm này được nhiều người ưa dùng. (This product is preferred by many people.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ưa thích (verb): to like, to be fond of (a stronger, more formal synonym).
  • Anh ấy ưa thích những cuốn sách về lịch sử. (He likes books about history.)
• Ưa chuộng (verb): to favor, to prefer (often for trends, styles, or popular items).
  • Phong cách này đang được giới trẻ ưa chuộng. (This style is currently favored by young people.)

Synonyms

• Thích (verb): to like (more common and general).
• Yêu thích (verb): to love, to be very fond of (stronger emotion).
• Hợp (verb/adjective): to be compatible with, to suit (for conditions).

Related Idioms

• "Không ưa thì dưa có giòi": Literally "If you don't like it, even the melon has maggots." It means when you dislike someone/something, you will find fault with them/it no matter what. Similar to "Give a dog a bad name and hang him."
  • Anh ta cứ chê bai mọi thứ, đúng là không ưa thì dưa có giòi. (He criticizes everything; it's a case of finding fault where none exists.)

verb

1. be fond of, like