Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To press a button: The action of applying pressure, typically with a finger, to a button or switch to activate, deactivate, or control a device or function.
   • To push a button: A synonymous action, often used interchangeably with "press."

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Để chụp ảnh, bạn chỉ cần bấm nút. (To take a photo, you just need to press the button.)
  • Anh ấy bấm nút để khởi động máy. (He pushed the button to start the machine.)
  • Trước khi đi, đừng quên bấm nút tắt đèn. (Before leaving, don't forget to press the button to turn off the light.)

Advanced Usage

• "bấm nút" in a figurative/metaphorical sense: To initiate a significant, often irreversible, action or process with a simple, decisive command.
  • Chỉ một lệnh bấm nút từ tổng thống có thể phóng đi tên lửa. (Just one button-push command from the president can launch the missile.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhấn nút (verb phrase): To press a button. This is a very common synonym with nearly identical meaning and usage.
  • Nhấn nút gọi thang máy. (Press the button to call the elevator.)
• Nút bấm (noun): The button itself.
  • Nút bấm màu đỏ rất dễ thấy. (The red button is very easy to see.)

Synonyms

• Ấn nút (verb phrase): To press/push a button. Slightly more formal or technical than .
• Nhấn chuột (verb phrase): To click (a mouse button). Used specifically for computer mice.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chiến tranh bấm nút (noun phrase): Literally "push-button war." Refers to modern warfare conducted remotely via technology, such as launching missiles or drones with the push of a button, minimizing direct physical engagement.
  • Kỷ nguyên của chiến tranh bấm nút đặt ra những vấn đề đạo đức mới. (The era of push-button warfare poses new ethical problems.)

1. Press the button
   • Chiến tranh bấm nút
     A press-button war[face]