Definition

1. Noun:
   • Storm: A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds, rain, thunder, and lightning. This is the literal meteorological meaning.
   • Tempest / Turmoil: A violent or tumultuous situation; a period of great commotion, disturbance, or emotional upset. This is the primary figurative meaning.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal):
  • Con tàu phải chống chọi với cơn dông tố trên biển. (The ship had to battle the storm at sea.)
• Noun (Figurative):
  • Cuộc đời cô ấy trải qua nhiều dông tố. (Her life has gone through many storms/tempests.)
  • Mối quan hệ của họ đang trong cơn dông tố. (Their relationship is in a storm/turmoil.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "dông tố" is inherently strong and literary. It is often used to describe severe life crises, intense conflicts, or overwhelming emotional struggles, carrying a more dramatic weight than the simpler word "khó khăn" (difficulties).

Variants and Related Words

• Dông (n): A thunderstorm, squall. A shorter, less intense form.
  • Trời đổ dông. (A thunderstorm is coming.)
• Bão tố (n): Storm, typhoon; also used figuratively for turmoil. Similar in meaning and usage to "dông tố" but can imply even greater scale or violence.

Synonyms

• Storm / Tempest: For both literal and figurative meanings.
• Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
• Upheaval: A violent or sudden change or disruption.

Related Idioms

• Gian nan, dông tố: Hardships and storms. A phrase describing a life full of severe trials and tribulations.
  • Họ đã cùng nhau vượt qua bao gian nan, dông tố. (They have overcome so many hardships and storms together.)

1. Storm
   • Cuộc đời đầy dông tố
     a stormy life