ngang vai
Definition
Adjective phrase:
- Of equal standing or rank: Describes two or more people, groups, or entities that hold the same level of social status, professional position, or importance.
- On the same level: Indicates that things or people are comparable in terms of ability, achievement, or stature, allowing for direct comparison or competition.
Adjective phrase (literal):
- Shoulder-to-shoulder: Describes a physical position where people stand side-by-side with their shoulders aligned at the same height.
Usage Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- Hai công ty này hoàn toàn ngang vai trên thị trường. (These two companies are completely of equal standing in the market.)
- Chúng tôi là bạn bè ngang vai. (We are friends on the same level.)
- Họ đứng ngang vai trong bức ảnh. (They stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the picture.)
Advanced Usage
- Used to describe parity in competitions, debates, or rivalries.
- Trận đấu diễn ra giữa hai đội ngang vai. (The match took place between two evenly matched teams.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ngang hàng (adj): peer, equal, equivalent. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
- Hai nguyên tố có tính chất ngang hàng. (The two elements have equivalent properties.)
Synonyms
- Equal: being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
- On a par: at the same level or standard.
- Peer: a person of the same status, age, or ability.
Related Idioms
- Ngang vai phải lứa: An idiom suggesting a suitable match, often implying that a romantic partnership or marriage is appropriate because the individuals are of comparable age, status, or background.
- Họ lấy nhau vì ngang vai phải lứa. (They married because they were a well-matched pair.)