dò ý
Definition
- Verb:
- To sound out / to probe someone's opinion: The act of carefully and indirectly asking questions or making remarks to discover someone's thoughts, feelings, or intentions on a matter.
- To test the waters: To make tentative inquiries to gauge reaction or opinion before taking formal action.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ấy nói chuyện để dò ý sếp về kế hoạch mới. (He talked to sound out the boss about the new plan.)
- Tôi định dò ý xem cô ấy có muốn đi xem phim không. (I intend to probe whether she wants to go to the movies.)
- Họ đang dò ý dư luận trước khi đưa ra quyết định. (They are testing public opinion before making a decision.)
Advanced Usage
- This verb often describes a subtle, strategic social interaction. It implies caution and an attempt to avoid direct confrontation or rejection.
- It is frequently used in contexts involving negotiation, personal relationships, politics, or business, where understanding another's position is crucial.
Variants and Related Words
- Dò hỏi (v): To inquire cautiously, to make discreet inquiries.
- Phóng viên dò hỏi thông tin từ các nhân chứng. (The reporter discreetly inquired for information from the witnesses.)
- Thăm dò (v): To survey, to poll, to explore (often used for more formal or large-scale probing, like opinion polls).
- Công ty tiến hành thăm dò thị trường. (The company conducted a market survey.)
Synonyms
- To sound out: To try to discover someone's opinions or feelings indirectly.
- To probe: To inquire closely or investigate.
- To test the waters: To try to find out what the situation is like before taking action.
- To feel out: To try to learn someone's opinions carefully.
Related Idioms
- Dò la: To spy out, to reconnoiter (often with a sense of secretive investigation).
- Hắn dò la tình hình đối thủ. (He spied out the competitor's situation.)