Definition

1. Noun:
   • A turning point: A critical moment or period that marks a significant, fundamental, and sometimes abrupt change in a situation, process, or life, leading to a new and different phase. It is often used in the context of history, politics, economics, society, or personal life.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sự kiện năm 1975 là một bước ngoặt quan trọng trong lịch sử dân tộc. (The event of 1975 was a crucial turning point in the nation's history.)
  • Quyết định đi du học đánh dấu một bước ngoặt trong cuộc đời cô ấy. (The decision to study abroad marked a turning point in her life.)
  • Nền kinh tế đang đứng trước một bước ngoặt mới. (The economy is facing a new turning point.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a decisive change of direction. It can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on context, but it inherently signifies importance and transformation.
• It is frequently used with verbs like "đánh dấu" (to mark), "tạo ra" (to create/bring about), "là" (to be), and "đứng trước" (to stand before/face).

Variants and Related Words

• Khúc quanh (n): A bend, a twist; can be used metaphorically in a similar way to "bước ngoặt" but may imply a less definitive or more gradual change.
• Điểm then chốt (n): A pivotal point, a key point. This emphasizes the critical nature of a moment more than the resulting change in direction.

Synonyms

• Turning point: The most direct equivalent.
• Watershed: A point marking a turning point in a situation (often historical).
• Pivotal moment: A moment of critical importance.
• Crossroads: A point at which a crucial decision must be made.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Bước ngoặt lịch sử: A historical turning point.
  • Chiến thắng Điện Biên Phủ là một bước ngoặt lịch sử. (The Dien Bien Phu victory was a historical turning point.)
• Bước ngoặt nguy hiểm: A dangerous turning point/vicissitude.
  • Chính phủ phải thận trọng khi vượt qua bước ngoặt nguy hiểm này. (The government must be cautious navigating this dangerous turning point.)

1. Turning-point
   • tạo ra một bước ngoặt có lợi cho ta
     to bring about a turning-point favourable to ourselves
   • bước ngoặt của cuộc đời
     a turning-point in one's life