Definition

1. Verb:
   • To spy: To secretly collect information about a person, organization, or country, especially for military or political purposes.
   • To reconnoiter / to scout: To observe or survey an area, typically for military purposes, to gain information.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Kẻ địch đang cố gắng do thám các vị trí của chúng ta. (The enemy is trying to spy on our positions.)
  • Máy bay không người lái được sử dụng để do thám khu vực này. (Drones are used to reconnoiter this area.)
  • Họ cử một điệp viên đi do thám nhà máy. (They sent an agent to spy on the factory.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "do thám" often carries a formal or military connotation and is commonly used in contexts of state espionage, military intelligence, and security.
• It implies a covert, deliberate, and organized act of gathering secret information.

Variants and Related Words

• Trinh sát (v/n): To reconnoiter / reconnaissance; often used in military contexts for active patrolling and scouting.
  • Đội trinh sát được phái đi trước. (The reconnaissance team was sent ahead.)
• Gián điệp (n): A spy (the person). "Do thám" is the action; "gián điệp" is the agent.
  • Hắn ta bị bắt vì tội gián điệp. (He was arrested for espionage.)

Synonyms

• To spy: To act as a spy.
• To reconnoiter: To make a military observation of a region.
• To surveil: To keep a close watch over someone or something.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Máy bay do thám: Spy plane / reconnaissance aircraft.
  • Máy bay do thám bị bắn hạ. (The spy plane was shot down.)
• Hoạt động do thám: Espionage activity / spying operation.
  • Hoạt động do thám của họ đã bị phát hiện. (Their espionage activity was discovered.)

verb

1. to spy