Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tough, leathery: Describes a physical texture that is difficult to tear, cut, or chew, often due to being fibrous or hard.
   • Persistent, tenacious: Describes a quality of lasting for a long time, being hard to get rid of, or stubbornly continuing.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Tough): Miếng thịt dai quá, tôi không nhai được. (This piece of meat is too tough; I can't chew it.) Sợi dây này rất dai, không dễ đứt. (This rope is very tough; it's not easy to break.)

• Adjective (Persistent): Cơn mưa dai dẳng suốt ba ngày. (The rain was persistent for three whole days.) Anh ấy là một người rất dai, không bao giờ từ bỏ mục tiêu. (He is a very tenacious person; he never gives up on a goal.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dai như đỉa": (Idiomatic simile) Literally "persistent like a leech." Used to describe someone who is extremely stubborn, clingy, or hard to shake off. Cậu bạn đó dai như đỉa, cứ theo tôi hỏi mãi. (That friend is as persistent as a leech; he keeps following and asking me questions.)

• "Nói dai": To talk persistently or nag; to keep repeating an argument or point. Đừng có nói dai nữa, tôi đã hiểu rồi. (Stop nagging/persisting; I already understand.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dai dẳng (adj): Prolonged, lingering, persistent (often for negative situations like pain, illness, or conflict). Cơn đau đầu dai dẳng khiến cô ấy mệt mỏi. (The persistent headache made her tired.)

• Dai sức (adj): Having endurance, stamina; able to last a long time physically. Vận động viên marathon cần phải dai sức. (A marathon runner needs to have endurance.)

Synonyms

• Bền (adj): Durable, long-lasting.
• Dẻo (adj): Pliable, flexible, chewy (often overlaps with 'dai' for texture).
• Lì (adj): Stubborn, obstinate (for personality, similar to the persistent meaning).
• Bướng bỉnh (adj): Stubborn, headstrong.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Ăn dai (Verb phrase): To be a slow eater; to chew food for a long time. Em bé ăn dai lắm, một bữa mất cả tiếng. (The baby eats very slowly; one meal takes a whole hour.)

• Dai như trâu (Idiom): Literally "tough as buffalo (meat)." Emphasizes extreme toughness (usually for texture). Thịt luộc chín quá, dai như trâu. (The boiled meat is overcooked; it's as tough as buffalo.)

adj

1. tough; leathery
   • miếng thịt dai
     a tough bit of meat
2. Persistent; tenacious
   • trận bão dai
     persistent storm