Definition

Verb: - To meet face to face, to encounter: This refers to a direct, often unexpected or confrontational meeting between two opposing parties, such as rivals, enemies, or competing forces. It implies a moment of contact that requires a reaction or confrontation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai lực lượng đối địch chạm trán nhau. (The two opposing forces met face to face.)
  • Đó là một cuộc chạm trán bất ngờ. (It was a surprise encounter.)
  • Hai đối thủ sẽ chạm trán trên sân khấu chính trị. (The two rivals will face off on the political stage.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a connotation of tension, opposition, or unavoidable conflict. It is not used for friendly or planned meetings.
• It can describe a first-time meeting between rivals or a critical moment in an ongoing conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Đối đầu (v): to confront, to face off. This is a close synonym but can imply a more prolonged or deliberate confrontation.
  • Hai công ty đối đầu trên thị trường. (The two companies confront each other in the market.)

Synonyms

• To encounter: To meet, especially unexpectedly.
• To face off: To confront directly in a competition or conflict.
• To come face to face with: To meet someone directly, often in a surprising or challenging situation.

Related Idioms

• While "chạm trán" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, its usage is idiomatic in describing sudden, confrontational meetings. A related concept is:
• Mặt đối mặt: (Face to face). This phrase describes the direct nature of the encounter but without the inherent element of conflict or surprise.
  • Họ thảo luận mặt đối mặt. (They discussed face to face.)

verb

1. To meet face to face, to face
   • hai lực lượng đối địch chạm trán nhau
     the two opposing forces met face to face
   • cuộc chạm trán bất ngờ
     a surprise encounter