hẹm
Definition
- Verb:
- To yield, to give way, to concede: To allow another person or thing to have an advantage, position, or right; to be less dominant in a comparison or conflict.
- To be inferior, to be lesser than: To be of lower quality, value, or status when compared to something else.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Trong cuộc tranh luận, anh ấy đã hẹm trước những lý lẽ của đối thủ. (In the debate, he yielded to his opponent's arguments.)
- Chất lượng sản phẩm này không hẹm so với hàng nhập ngoại. (The quality of this product is not inferior to imported goods.)
- Cô ấy không bao giờ hẹm bước trước khó khăn. (She never gives way in the face of difficulty.)
Advanced Usage
"hẹm mình": To humble oneself, to lower one's position or pride.
- Vì lợi ích chung, anh ta sẵn sàng hẹm mình. (For the common good, he is willing to humble himself.)
"hẹm thế": To be at a disadvantage, to be in a weaker position.
- Đội khách đang hẹm thế trước sức ép từ đội nhà. (The away team is at a disadvantage under the pressure from the home team.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nhường (verb): To yield, to give way, to cede. (A more common and neutral synonym).
- Kém (verb/adjective): To be less than, to be inferior; poor, bad. (Focuses more on the state of being lesser).
- Chịu thua (verb phrase): To admit defeat, to give up.
Synonyms
- Chịu lép vế: To accept a subordinate or inferior position.
- Thua kém: To be lacking or deficient compared to something else.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Hẹm bước: To yield, to give ground (literally or figuratively).
- Công ty đã hẹm bước trước yêu cầu của công đoàn. (The company yielded to the union's demands.)
Related Idioms
- "Biết mình biết ta, trăm trận không hẹm": (Knowing yourself and your enemy, you will not yield in a hundred battles). This idiom, adapted from Sun Tzu, means that with thorough understanding and preparation, one will not be at a disadvantage or be defeated.