Definition

1. Verb:
   • To polish, to refine, to cultivate: The primary meaning of "giồi mài" is to diligently practice, study, or work on something in order to improve, perfect, or sharpen one's skills, knowledge, or character. It implies sustained effort and dedication.

Usage Notes

• "Giồi mài" is a literary and somewhat formal term, often used in written Vietnamese or in elevated speech. It is considered a variant of the more common word "giùi mài," and the two are interchangeable.
• It is almost exclusively used in abstract contexts related to self-improvement, such as studying, practicing an art, or cultivating virtues. It is not used for physical polishing of objects.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy dành nhiều năm để giồi mài kiến thức. (He spent many years cultivating his knowledge.)
  • Muốn thành công, phải không ngừng giồi mài kỹ năng. (To succeed, one must constantly refine one's skills.)
  • Cô ấy giồi mài tài năng âm nhạc từ nhỏ. (She has been polishing her musical talent since childhood.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is frequently used in fixed, classical-style phrases, often in conjunction with words like "kinh sử" (classics) or "đức hạnh" (virtue).
  • giồi mài kinh sử: to diligently study the classics.
  • giồi mài đức hạnh: to cultivate one's virtue.

Variants and Related Words

• Giùi mài (v): This is the standard and more frequently used form, identical in meaning to "giồi mài."
  • Học sinh cần giùi mài học tập. (Students need to diligently apply themselves to their studies.)

Synonyms

• To cultivate: To try to acquire or develop a quality, skill, or knowledge.
• To refine: To improve something by making small changes.
• To hone: To sharpen or perfect a skill over time.
• To polish: To improve something by refining or perfecting it.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Giồi mài kinh sử: A classical phrase meaning to devote oneself to the diligent study of literature and philosophy.
  • Các nho sinh ngày xưa suốt ngày giồi mài kinh sử. (The scholars of old spent all their days diligently studying the classics.)

1. xem giùi mài