lép vế
Definition
- Adjective/Verb Phrase:
- To be in an inferior position; to be overshadowed: Describes a situation where a person, group, or thing holds less power, influence, or importance compared to others in a given context, often resulting in being marginalized or dominated.
- To play second fiddle; to take a back seat: To accept or be forced into a subordinate or less significant role.
Usage Examples
- Adjective/Verb Phrase:
- Trong cuộc họp, ý kiến của phòng marketing thường bị lép vế. (In meetings, the marketing department's opinions are often overshadowed.)
- Anh ấy cảm thấy mình lép vế hơn so với các đồng nghiệp có bằng cấp cao. (He feels he is in an inferior position compared to his colleagues with higher degrees.)
- Công ty nhỏ buộc phải lép vế trước các tập đoàn lớn. (The small company is forced to take a back seat to large corporations.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in comparative contexts, introduced by words like "so với" (compared to), "trước" (before/in front of), or "đối với" (towards/relative to).
- It describes a relational and situational status, not a permanent inherent quality.
Variants and Related Words
- Thua kém (v): to be inferior to, to fall short.
- Sản phẩm này thua kém đối thủ về tính năng. (This product is inferior to the competitor in terms of features.)
- Bị lấn át (v): to be overwhelmed or overpowered.
- Tiếng nói của cô ấy bị lấn át trong đám đông. (Her voice was overwhelmed in the crowd.)
Synonyms
- To be subordinate: Lower in rank or position.
- To be marginalized: Treated as insignificant or peripheral.
- To be outshone: To be made less noticeable by comparison.
Related Idioms
- Chịu thế yếu: to accept a weaker position.
- Đội khách phải chịu thế yếu ngay từ đầu trận. (The away team had to accept a weaker position from the start of the match.)
- Làm bóng cho người: to play a supporting role (literally, to be a shadow for someone).
- Anh ấy không muốn chỉ làm bóng cho người khác mãi. (He doesn't want to just play second fiddle to others forever.)