chuyền tay
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To pass from hand to hand: The primary meaning describes the action of transferring an object directly from one person's hand to another's, often in a sequence or chain.
- To circulate informally: It implies an object (often a document, item, or piece of information) being shared or distributed among a group of people without a formal, official channel.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Cuốn sách quý được mọi người chuyền tay nhau đọc. (The precious book was passed from hand to hand for everyone to read.)
- Hãy chuyền tay hộp bút này cho bạn cuối lớp. (Please pass this pencil case by hand to the student at the back of the class.)
- Tin đồn đó đã được chuyền tay khắp cơ quan. (That rumor was circulated by hand throughout the office.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a nuance of informal, direct, and sometimes discreet sharing. It is commonly used for things that are not publicly distributed but are shared within a closed or trusted group.
- It can describe the rapid, sequential sharing of something, creating a sense of community or collective action.
Variants and Related Words
- Truyền tay (verb phrase): A less common variant with the same meaning.
- Chuyền (verb): To pass, to transfer. "Chuyền tay" specifies the method (by hand).
- Chuyền miệng (verb phrase): To pass by word of mouth; to circulate orally.
Synonyms
- Circulate: To pass among a group.
- Pass around: To distribute something for others to take.
- Hand around: To offer something to each person in a group.
Related Idioms
- Chuyền tay nhau: Emphasizes the reciprocal or collective action among multiple people.
- Mọi người chuyền tay nhau giúp đỡ gia đình khó khăn. (Everyone passed along help hand-to-hand to support the family in need.)