Definitions

1. Noun:

   • Umbrella; sunshade: A handheld object used to protect from rain or sun, typically for women, similar to an 'ô' but often more colorful and with a shallower canopy.
   • Parachute: A device that opens like a large umbrella, using air resistance to slow the descent of a person or object from a high altitude.

2. Conjunction:

   • Though; although; even if: A word used to introduce a contrary or unfavorable condition, emphasizing that the main statement remains true regardless. It is often paired with 'vẫn' (still) or 'cũng' (also).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Trời nắng, chị ấy luôn mang theo dù. (It's sunny, she always carries an umbrella.)
  • Anh ấy là lính nhảy dù. (He is a paratrooper. / He is a parachute soldier.)

• Conjunction:

  • Dù trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn sẽ đi. (Even if it rains, we will still go.)
  • Tôi sẽ giúp anh, dù việc đó có khó. (I will help you, although that task may be difficult.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dù sao": Anyway; anyhow; nevertheless. Used to introduce a concluding or contrasting point.
  • Dù sao thì cũng cảm ơn anh đã cố gắng. (Anyway, thank you for trying.)
• "Dù gì": Similar to "dù sao," meaning "whatever the case" or "anyway."
  • Dù gì đi nữa, chúng ta vẫn là bạn. (Whatever happens, we are still friends.)
• "Dù... hay...": Whether... or...
  • Dù thắng hay thua, tôi cũng vui. (Whether I win or lose, I am still happy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ô (noun): Another common word for "umbrella," often used more generally for both rain and sun protection. 'Dù' can sometimes imply a more feminine or decorative sunshade.
• Dù dù (adj - colloquial): Describes a state of being half-asleep or drowsy.
  • Ngồi nghe dù dù. (To sit listening in a drowsy state.)
• Dùi cui (noun): A completely different word meaning "truncheon" or "baton."

Synonyms

• Noun (Umbrella): Ô, lọng (ceremonial parasol).
• Conjunction (Though): Mặc dù, tuy, cho dù.

Related Phrases (Structure)

• "Cho dù": A stronger, more emphatic form of "dù," meaning "even if," "no matter."
  • Cho dù anh có nói gì, tôi cũng không tin. (No matter what you say, I won't believe it.)
• "Dù rằng" / "Tuy rằng": Although, even though (slightly more formal/literary).
  • Dù rằng hoàn cảnh khó khăn, cô ấy không từ bỏ. (Although the circumstances were difficult, she did not give up.)

Related Idioms

• "Dù đục dù trong": Literally "whether muddy or clear." Figuratively, it means "through thick and thin" or "no matter what the situation is," expressing unwavering loyalty.
  • Tình bạn dù đục dù trong. (A friendship that lasts through thick and thin.)
• "Dù ai nói ngả nói nghiêng": Literally "No matter if people speak leaning left or right." It means "No matter what people say" or "Regardless of others' opinions."
  • Dù ai nói ngả nói nghiêng, lòng ta vẫn vững như kiềng ba chân. (A folk verse meaning: No matter what people say, my heart remains as steady as a three-legged stand.)

noun

1. umbrella; parachute; sunshade

conj

1. Though; however; whether
   • dù sao thì việc ấy cũng không nên
     However, such a course of action is inadvisable