Definition

Verb: 1. To lead by the hand; to support someone while walking: The primary meaning is to physically assist someone in moving, typically by letting them lean on you for support as you walk together. 2. To guide, to mentor; to help someone advance: Used figuratively to mean guiding, helping, or mentoring someone to progress or develop in the same direction as you.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning (physical support): (The nurse led/supported the patient out of bed.) (He helped/guided the old lady across the street.)
• Figurative meaning (guidance/mentorship): (The master craftsman mentors/guides the apprentice.) (Teachers have the duty to guide their students.)

Advanced Usage

• "dìu dắt": This is a common compound verb combining "dìu" and "dắt" (to lead). It strongly emphasizes the meaning of guiding, mentoring, or nurturing someone's development over time. (Parents guide their children through life.)
• The action of "dìu" implies care, patience, and providing stability, whether physical or metaphorical.

Variants and Related Words

• Dắt (verb): To lead by the hand, to take someone/something somewhere. "Dắt" is often used for leading someone who can walk independently, while "dìu" implies the person being led needs support.
• Đỡ (verb): To hold up, to support physically to prevent a fall.
• Nâng đỡ (verb): To support, to assist (often used in both physical and figurative contexts).
• Hướng dẫn (verb): To instruct, to guide (focuses more on providing direction or instructions rather than physical support).

Synonyms

• Dẫn dắt: To lead, to guide.
• Hỗ trợ: To support, to assist.
• Giúp đỡ: To help, to aid.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Dìu nhau": To support each other, to lean on each other (both literally and figuratively). (The two old friends walked supporting each other.)
• The word is central to the concept of care and guidance in Vietnamese culture, often used in contexts of family, teaching, and community support.

verb

1. to lead by the hand