Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pry; to prize: To use force or a lever to open, lift, or separate something that is stuck, sealed, or fastened.
   • To force open: To break open something locked or sealed, often with a tool.
   • (Figurative) To extract; to wring out: To obtain something (like information or money) from someone with difficulty or persistence.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta dùng tuốc-nơ-vít để nạy cái nắp hộp. (He used a screwdriver to pry the box lid open.)
  • Tên trộm cố gắng nạy cửa sổ. (The thief tried to force the window open.)
  • Phóng viên cố nạy thông tin từ quan chức. (The reporter tried to pry information from the official.)

Advanced Usage

• The action often implies the use of a tool (like a crowbar, screwdriver, or lever) and the application of force to create a gap or separation.
• In its figurative sense, it describes a persistent, often unwelcome, effort to obtain something intangible.

Variants and Related Words

• Cạy (v): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "nạy" for the physical action of prying.
• Bẩy (v): To lever; to use a lever to lift or move something. It shares the core mechanical action with "nạy."

Synonyms

• Pry: To inquire impertinently or to force something open.
• Prize: To use force to move or open something.
• Lever: To move or lift with a lever.
• Force open: To open by applying physical strength or tools.
• Jemmy (v): To force open with a crowbar.

Related Idioms

• Nạy miệng: (Literally: to pry a mouth open) To try to make someone talk or confess.
  • Cảnh sát không thể nạy miệng được nghi phạm. (The police couldn't get the suspect to talk.)
• Nạy tiền: (Literally: to pry money out) To extract money from someone, often through pressure or manipulation.
  • Hắn luôn tìm cách nạy tiền của bố mẹ. (He's always finding ways to wring money out of his parents.)

verb

1. to pry; to prize
   • nạy cái nắp lên
     to prize a lid open