Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tidy up, to clean up: The primary meaning of "dọn dẹp" is to make a place neat and orderly by removing clutter, dirt, or unwanted items. It implies a general, comprehensive cleaning and organizing activity.
   • To put in order, to arrange: This meaning focuses on organizing items systematically rather than just cleaning. It involves sorting and arranging things into their proper places.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Chúng tôi cần dọn dẹp phòng khách trước khi khách đến. (We need to tidy up the living room before the guests arrive.)
  • Cô ấy dọn dẹp bàn làm việc mỗi chiều thứ Sáu. (She cleans up her desk every Friday afternoon.)
  • Hãy dọn dẹp những đồ chơi này và cất chúng vào hộp. (Please tidy up these toys and put them in the box.)

Advanced Usage

• "dọn dẹp nhà cửa": to clean the house, to do house cleaning.

  • Cuối tuần này, cả gia đình sẽ cùng nhau dọn dẹp nhà cửa. (This weekend, the whole family will clean the house together.)

• "dọn dẹp hồ sơ": to organize files/documents (often used in office contexts).

  • Tôi phải dọn dẹp hồ sơ cũ trong tủ để lấy chỗ trống. (I have to organize the old files in the cabinet to make some space.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dọn (v): to clear, to clean, to remove. Often used for specific tasks like clearing a table or cleaning a specific area.

  • Dọn bàn ăn (to clear the dining table).

• Dẹp (v): to put away, to store. Often implies removing something from sight or a common area.

  • Dẹp đồ chơi đi (Put the toys away).

Synonyms

• Tidy (up): to make a place neat by putting things in order.
• Clean (up): to make something free from dirt or mess.
• Straighten up: to make a place tidy, especially quickly.
• Declutter: to remove unnecessary items from a place.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Dọn dẹp quét tước: a common phrase emphasizing thorough cleaning and tidying, often of a house. It conveys the idea of sweeping and putting everything in order.

  • Tết đến là dịp để mọi người dọn dẹp quét tước nhà cửa. (Tet is the occasion for everyone to thoroughly clean and tidy their houses.)

• Dọn dẹp bàn ghế: to arrange furniture (specifically tables and chairs).

  • Nhân viên đang dọn dẹp bàn ghế trong hội trường cho buổi họp. (The staff are arranging the tables and chairs in the hall for the meeting.)

1. Tidy up, put in order (nói khái quát)
   • Dọn dẹp đồ đạc
     To put the furniture in order
   • Dọn dẹp quét tước nhà cửa
     To tidy up one's house