lăn bánh
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To start rolling / to get moving: The primary meaning refers to a vehicle (like a car, bicycle, or train) beginning to move or roll on its wheels.
- To depart / to set off: It describes the moment a vehicle starts its journey or leaves a stationary position.
- To be in motion / to operate (for vehicles): It can also describe the state of a vehicle being operational and moving.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Xe lửa bắt đầu lăn bánh. (The train began to roll.)
- Chúng tôi sẽ lăn bánh lúc 6 giờ sáng. (We will set off at 6 a.m.)
- Chiếc xe tải cũ vẫn lăn bánh đều đặn. (The old truck is still running smoothly.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used for wheeled vehicles. It emphasizes the action of the wheels turning to initiate movement.
- It can be used figuratively to indicate the start of a project or process, though this is less common.
- Dự án mới cuối cùng cũng đã lăn bánh. (The new project has finally gotten moving.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lăn (v): to roll. This is the core verb from which the phrase is built.
- Đứa bé lăn quả bóng. (The child rolled the ball.)
Synonyms
- To start moving: for beginning motion.
- To depart: for leaving a place.
- To get underway: for beginning a journey or process.
Related Idioms
- Lăn bánh xe: a more literal variant, emphasizing the wheels.
- Bánh xe đã lăn, không thể dừng lại. (The wheels are in motion; they cannot be stopped.)