lấy mất
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To take away / to remove: To take something, often permanently, so that the original owner or location no longer has it. It implies an act of removal that results in a loss for the subject.
- To steal / to swipe: To take something dishonestly or without permission, resulting in its loss.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Ai đó đã lấy mất chìa khóa của tôi. (Someone has taken my keys.)
- Họ lấy mất bàn đi rồi. (They have taken the table away.)
- Tên trộm lấy mất ví của bà cụ. (The thief stole the old lady's wallet.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a nuance of regret, complaint, or the reporting of an unfortunate event where something is missing due to another's action.
- It can be used in both concrete (physical objects) and abstract (opportunities, time) contexts, though the abstract use is less common.
- Cơn bão lấy mất mùa màng của họ. (The storm took away their harvest.)
Variants and Related Words
Lấy đi (verb phrase): to take away. This is a close synonym but can sound slightly less emotive regarding the loss.
- Cô giáo lấy đi điện thoại của học sinh. (The teacher took away the student's phone.)
Ăn cắp / ăn trộm (verb): to steal. These are more direct synonyms for the criminal act.
- Kẻ gian đã ăn trộm xe máy. (The crook stole the motorbike.)
Synonyms
- Take away: To remove something.
- Steal: To take another's property without permission.
- Swipe: To take quickly and stealthily (informal).
Related Idioms
- While "lấy mất" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is commonly used in expressions of loss.
- Lấy mất của tôi rồi! (You've taken mine!/You swiped mine!) – An exclamation of discovery and complaint.