Definition

1. Verb:
   • To scramble for / to snatch from each other: The primary meaning of "dành giật" is to struggle or compete fiercely, often physically, to obtain something from others. It implies a chaotic, selfish, and sometimes aggressive competition where individuals try to take something for themselves.
   • To fight over / to contend for: It describes a situation where multiple parties are in intense conflict over possession of a limited resource, object, or advantage.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Những đứa trẻ dành giật món đồ chơi. (The children scrambled for the toy.)
  • Hai công ty lớn đang dành giật thị phần. (The two large companies are fighting over market share.)
  • Họ dành giật nhau từng mẩu bánh mì. (They fought over every crumb of bread.)

Advanced Usage

• "dành giật sự sống": to fight for survival, to cling to life.

  • Bệnh nhân đang dành giật sự sống từng ngày. (The patient is fighting for survival day by day.)

• "dành giật thời gian": to scramble for time, to try to find time in a busy schedule.

  • Tôi phải dành giật thời gian để chăm sóc gia đình. (I have to scramble to find time to take care of my family.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giành giật (v): This is a common alternate spelling with the same meaning as "dành giật."

  • Cuộc giành giật quyền kiểm soát đã diễn ra. (The scramble for control took place.)

• Tranh giành (v): to compete for, to contend for. This is a close synonym but can be slightly less intense or physically aggressive than "dành giật."

  • Các ứng viên tranh giành vị trí đó. (The candidates are competing for that position.)

Synonyms

• Scramble for: To struggle or compete eagerly for something.
• Fight over: To engage in a dispute or struggle for possession.
• Contend for: To struggle in opposition or rivalry.
• Wrest from: To take something after a struggle.

Related Idioms

• Dành giật như mổ cò: To scramble/fight fiercely (literally: like storks pecking). This idiom emphasizes the chaotic and selfish nature of the struggle.
  • Cảnh mua bán ở chợ có lúc như dành giật như mổ cò. (The buying and selling scene in the market can sometimes be a fierce scramble.)

verb

1. to cramble for