Definition

Verb: * To push: To apply force to something in order to move it away from oneself or from its current position, often with a quick, sharp, or deliberate motion. This can involve using the hands, feet, or an object. * To flick: To push or strike something lightly and quickly, often with a finger, to move it a short distance. * To stoke (a fire): To push or poke at burning material (like coals or wood in a fire) to improve air flow and make it burn more strongly.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to push/flick):
  • Cậu bé hẩy viên bi trên bàn. (The boy flicked the marble on the table.)
  • Cô ấy hẩy đống lá khô sang một bên. (She pushed the pile of dry leaves to the side.)
• Verb (to stoke):
  • Ông lão ngồi hẩy lò than cho đỏ. (The old man sat stoking the charcoal stove to make it glow.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "hẩy" often implies a single, decisive motion rather than a continuous push. It can suggest moving something that is in the way or adjusting the position of an object with a quick action.
• It is less common than the general word "đẩy" (to push) and often carries a nuance of a lighter, sharper, or more targeted action.

Variants and Related Words

• Hất (v): To flip, to jerk, to toss something away with a sharp upward or outward motion. This is stronger and more violent than "hẩy".
  • Con ngựa hất người cưỡi xuống đất. (The horse flung the rider to the ground.)
• Đẩy (v): To push. This is the general, most common term.
  • Chúng tôi cùng đẩy chiếc xe bị hỏng. (We together pushed the broken-down car.)

Synonyms

• Push: To exert force on something to move it.
• Flick: To hit or move with a light, quick stroke.
• Nudge: To push gently, usually with the elbow.
• Stoke: To poke and feed a fire to make it burn more intensely.

Related Idioms

• Hẩy vai: A phrase describing a shrugging motion of the shoulders, often to express indifference, ignorance, or helplessness.
  • Anh ta chỉ biết hẩy vai khi được hỏi. (He could only shrug when asked.)

verb

1. to push