Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To seem, to look, to appear: Used to express an observation or impression about someone's state, condition, or manner based on external appearance. It indicates a subjective judgment.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Ông ta coi bộ còn khỏe. (He seems to be still going strong.)
  • Anh ta coi bộ kiêu ngạo. (He looks arrogant.)
  • Cô ấy coi bộ mệt mỏi. (She seems tired.)

Advanced Usage

• "coi bộ" is often used in spoken, informal Vietnamese. It typically precedes an adjective or a stative verb phrase to convey the speaker's perception.
  • Căn nhà này coi bộ vững chãi. (This house seems sturdy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Có vẻ (phrase): to seem, to appear. This is a more standard and common synonym.

  • Anh ấy có vẻ hài lòng. (He appears satisfied.)

• Hình như (adverb): seemingly, apparently. Used to express a less certain impression.

  • Hình như trời sắp mưa. (It seems like it's about to rain.)

Synonyms

• Seem: to give the impression of being something.
• Appear: to look or seem to be a certain way.
• Look: to have a particular appearance.

Notes on Usage

• "coi bộ" is considered dialectal or colloquial, more common in Southern Vietnamese speech. In formal writing, "có vẻ" is generally preferred.
• It is used to state an impression, not a definitive fact. The structure is: Subject + coi bộ + adjective/descriptive phrase.

1. To seem, to look
   • ông ta coi bộ còn khoe?
     he seems to be still going strong