Definition

Noun: A flea market; an open-air market, often temporary or informal, where individuals sell a variety of used goods, second-hand items, antiques, and sometimes new merchandise.

Usage

The term 'chợ trời' is used to describe the physical location and event of a flea market. It emphasizes the informal, bustling, and diverse nature of the market, typically held outdoors. - Cuối tuần này chúng tôi định đi dạo chợ trời. (This weekend we plan to stroll around the flea market.) - Anh ấy mua được chiếc máy ảnh cũ ở chợ trời với giá rất hời. (He bought an old camera at the flea market for a very good price.) - Chợ trời thường rất đông đúc vào sáng Chủ nhật. (The flea market is usually very crowded on Sunday mornings.)

Advanced Usage

• 'buôn bán ở chợ trời': to trade/sell at a flea market.
  • Bà ấy kiếm sống bằng nghề buôn bán ở chợ trời. (She makes a living by trading at the flea market.)
• Used to metaphorically describe a chaotic or disorganized gathering of diverse things.
  • Căn phòng của nó lộn xộn như một chợ trời. (His room is as messy as a flea market.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chợ giời: This is a variant spelling/pronunciation of 'chợ trời'. The meaning is identical.
• Chợ phiên: A market held on specific, periodic dates (e.g., every 5 days). While also often open-air, a can focus more on fresh produce and general goods, not exclusively second-hand items like a .
• Chợ đồ cũ: Literally "old stuff market"; a more direct synonym for a flea market or second-hand market.

Synonyms

• Flea market: The direct English equivalent.
• Open-air market: Highlights the outdoor setting.
• Street market: Emphasizes the location on streets or public spaces.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Ăn may chợ trời: To get a lucky bargain at a flea market; to find a valuable item for very little money.
  • Mua được bức tranh cổ ấy, đúng là ăn may chợ trời. (Buying that antique painting was a real flea-market lucky strike.)

noun

1. Flea market