Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Seemingly, apparently, as if: "Dường" expresses an impression or perception, indicating that something appears to be a certain way based on observation or feeling, but is not stated as a definite fact. It often conveys a sense of uncertainty or resemblance.
   • Almost, nearly: In some classical or literary contexts, "dường" can mean something is close to a state or condition, bordering on it.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Trời dường như sắp mưa. (The sky seems like it's about to rain.)
  • Cô ấy dường không quan tâm đến lời giải thích. (She apparently did not care about the explanation.)
  • Nỗi buồn dường tràn ngập trong căn phòng. (Sadness seemed to fill the room.)

Advanced Usage

• "dường như": This is the most common and standard construction, meaning "it seems that", "as if", or "as though". It functions as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a clause expressing an impression.
  • Dường như anh ấy đã quên lời hứa. (It seems he forgot his promise.)
• "dường chừng": A more literary variant with a similar meaning to "dường như".
  • Mọi chuyện dường chừng đã ổn. (Everything seems to have settled down.)
• "dường bao": An archaic or poetic phrase meaning "how much", expressing intensity.
  • Nhớ thương dường bao! (How immensely I miss [you]!)

Variants and Related Words

• Dường như (conjunction): It seems that, as if. (This is the primary modern form.)
• Hình như (adverb): Seems like, apparently. (A common synonym.)
• Có vẻ như (phrase): It looks like, it appears that. (Another common synonym.)
• Tựa hồ (adverb, literary): Resembles, as if. (A more literary synonym.)

Synonyms

• Hình như: seems like.
• Có lẽ: perhaps, maybe (more about probability than perception).
• Tựa như: similar to, like (focuses more on comparison).

Notes on Usage

• "Dường" is rarely used alone in modern Vietnamese. It is almost always part of the phrase "dường như".
• It belongs to a more formal or literary register. In everyday spoken language, "hình như" or "có vẻ như" are more frequent.
• The standalone use of "dường" is found in classical poetry and older texts, where it can mean "almost" or "nearly", as in the reference example: (almost overflowing).

verb

1. to seem; to be just like