dõi theo
Definition
- Verb:
- To follow closely / to track: To observe or monitor someone or something attentively and continuously over time, often with focus and intent.
- To keep up with / to keep track of: To maintain awareness of the developments, progress, or situation of a person, event, or story.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cảnh sát dõi theo nghi phạm. (The police are tracking the suspect.)
- Tôi luôn dõi theo tin tức về biến đổi khí hậu. (I always follow the news on climate change.)
- Bà mẹ âu yếm dõi theo từng bước chân của đứa con nhỏ. (The mother lovingly watches her young child's every step.)
Advanced Usage
- The verb often implies a sustained, purposeful, and sometimes concerned or caring attention. It is more active and engaged than simply "nhìn" (to look).
- It is commonly used with abstract objects like progress, situations, or careers.
- Anh ấy dõi theo sự nghiệp của nhà văn đó từ những ngày đầu. (He has followed that writer's career from the early days.)
Variants and Related Words
- Theo dõi (v): This is a more common, near-identical synonym meaning to follow, monitor, or keep track of. The word order is reversed.
- Bác sĩ đang theo dõi tình trạng của bệnh nhân. (The doctor is monitoring the patient's condition.)
Synonyms
- To follow: To go or come after; to observe or monitor.
- To monitor: To watch and check over a period of time.
- To track: To follow the course or trail of.
- To watch over: To observe protectively or carefully.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Dõi theo từng bước: To follow/watch every single step, indicating extremely close attention.
- Người hâm mộ dõi theo từng bước của thần tượng. (Fans follow their idol's every move.)
- Dõi theo bóng hình ai đó: To follow someone's figure/shadow with one's eyes, often with nostalgia or longing.
- Cô ấy đứng dõi theo bóng hình anh cho đến khi khuất dạng. (She stood watching his figure until it disappeared from sight.)