Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To join hands, to hold hands: "dan tay" describes the action of two or more people linking or holding each other's hands, often to form a line or circle, or as a gesture of unity, support, or affection.
   • To unite, to collaborate: Figuratively, it means to unite or work together towards a common goal, emphasizing collective effort and solidarity.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning (to hold hands):

  • Các em nhỏ dan tay nhau đi thành một hàng. (The children held hands and walked in a line.)
  • Họ dan tay nhau trong buổi lễ. (They joined hands during the ceremony.)

• Figurative meaning (to unite, to collaborate):

  • Cả cộng đồng dan tay nhau để khắc phục hậu quả cơn bão. (The whole community joined hands to overcome the storm's aftermath.)
  • Chúng ta cần dan tay nhau để xây dựng tương lai tốt đẹp hơn. (We need to join hands to build a better future.)

Advanced Usage

• "dan tay sát cánh": to stand shoulder to shoulder, to unite closely.

  • Nhân dân cả nước dan tay sát cánh bảo vệ Tổ quốc. (The people across the country stand shoulder to shoulder to protect the Fatherland.)

• "dan tay góp sức": to join hands and contribute effort.

  • Mọi người dan tay góp sức cho công việc chung. (Everyone joined hands and contributed their efforts to the common work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nắm tay (verb phrase): to hold hands (often implies a tighter, more personal grip, typically between two people).

  • Hai mẹ con nắm tay nhau đi dạo. (The mother and child held hands while walking.)

• Đoàn kết (verb): to unite, to solidify.

  • Đoàn kết là sức mạnh. (Unity is strength.)

Synonyms

• Chung tay (verb phrase): to join hands (emphasizing shared contribution).
• Hợp lực (verb): to combine forces.
• Liên kết (verb): to link, to connect.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Dan tay nhau đứng dậy: to join hands to stand up (to unite to overcome adversity).
  • Sau thảm họa, người dân dan tay nhau đứng dậy. (After the disaster, the people joined hands to stand up again.)

Related Idioms

• "Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao": Literally "One tree does not make a mountain, three trees together form a high mountain." This proverb encapsulates the figurative meaning of "dan tay," emphasizing the power of unity and collective action.