gá bạc
Definitions
- Verb:
- To run a gambling den; to operate an illegal gambling establishment: The primary meaning refers to the act of owning, managing, or providing a location for illegal gambling activities, typically to profit from them (e.g., by taking a cut of the winnings or charging a fee).
- To harbor/provide shelter for gamblers: This extends to the act of allowing or facilitating gambling on one's premises.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cảnh sát đã bắt quả tang hắn đang gá bạc trong nhà. (The police caught him red-handed running a gambling den in his house.)
- Khu phố này trước đây có nhiều nơi gá bạc. (This neighborhood used to have many places that harbored gamblers.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "gá bạc" is almost exclusively used in legal, journalistic, or formal contexts to describe criminal activity. It carries a strong negative connotation.
- It implies a degree of organization and intent to profit from the illegal activity, not just casual gambling among friends.
Variants and Related Words
- Gá chứa: A synonym for "gá bạc", also meaning to run a gambling den.
- Chứa cờ bạc: A descriptive phrase meaning "to harbor gambling," essentially synonymous with "gá bạc".
- Sới bạc (noun): The gambling den itself; the physical location where illegal gambling occurs.
- Cờ bạc (noun): Gambling (the general activity).
Synonyms
- Tổ chức đánh bạc: To organize gambling.
- Chứa chấp cờ bạc: To harbor/shelter gambling activities.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- "Gá bạc ăn hồ": An idiom describing the practice; it means "to run a gambling den to take a cut/profit." This phrase explicitly states the profit motive ("ăn hồ").
- Bọn chúng sống bằng nghề gá bạc ăn hồ. (They make a living by running gambling dens for profit.)