Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give way (to somebody): To allow another person to go first or to have precedence, often as an act of courtesy, respect, or deference.
   • To concede / to yield: To step aside or relinquish one's position, right, or advantage in favor of someone else, typically someone perceived as more deserving or in greater need.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Trên xe buýt, tôi luôn nhường bước cho người già và trẻ em. (On the bus, I always give way to the elderly and children.)
  • Trong cuộc thi, anh ấy đã nhường bước cho bạn mình vì thấy bạn có hoàn cảnh khó khăn hơn. (In the competition, he conceded to his friend because he saw his friend's circumstances were more difficult.)
  • Lái xe cần nhường bước cho người đi bộ tại vạch sang đường. (Drivers need to give way to pedestrians at the crosswalk.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase often implies a moral or social obligation, not just a physical action. It is commonly used in contexts discussing hierarchy, priority, or etiquette.
• It can be used in abstract situations, such as conceding in an argument or yielding a career opportunity.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhường (v): To give up, to yield, to concede. A more general term.
  • Cô ấy nhường ghế cho tôi. (She gave up her seat for me.)
• Nhường nhịn (v): To yield and show tolerance, often in relationships or conflicts.
  • Sống với nhau phải biết nhường nhịn. (Living together requires knowing how to yield and be tolerant.)

Synonyms

• Yield: To give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.
• Concede: To admit defeat or to acknowledge someone else's right to something.
• Step aside: To move out of the way so someone else can pass or take a position.

Related Idioms

• Nhường cơm sẻ áo: To share one's food and clothing; to be very generous and supportive, especially to those in need. This idiom conveys a deeper level of sacrifice than "nhường bước."
  • Bà ấy có tấm lòng nhường cơm sẻ áo với mọi người. (She has a heart that shares her last crust of bread with others.)

1. Give way (to somebody)