Definition

1. Verb:
   • To join a group: The primary meaning of "nhập bọn" is to become a member of an existing group, gang, or association, often implying a deliberate act of affiliation.
   • To band together: It can describe the action of uniting with others to form or become part of a collective, sometimes with a connotation of collusion or partnership in an activity.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn quyết định nhập bọn với những kẻ cướp. (He decided to join the gang of robbers.)
  • Sau nhiều lần mời gọi, cuối cùng cô ấy cũng nhập bọn với chúng tôi. (After many invitations, she finally joined our group.)
  • Chúng không nên nhập bọn để thực hiện hành vi phi pháp. (They should not band together to carry out illegal acts.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can carry a slightly negative or informal nuance, often used for joining cliques, gangs, or groups engaged in dubious activities, though it can be neutral depending on context.
• It emphasizes the action of entering into an already-formed collective rather than founding a new one.

Variants and Related Words

• Gia nhập (v): To join, to enter (an organization, army, party). This is more formal and positive than "nhập bọn."
  • Anh ấy gia nhập quân đội năm 18 tuổi. (He joined the army at age 18.)
• Tham gia (v): To participate, to take part in (an activity, event).
  • Cô ấy tham gia cuộc thi viết. (She participated in the writing contest.)

Synonyms

• Join: to become a member of a group.
• Affiliate: to officially attach or connect to an organization.
• Band together: to unite in a group, often for a common purpose.

Related Idioms

• Nhập bọn với ma quỷ: To join forces with devils; to ally oneself with evil or dangerous people.
  • Làm việc cho hắn ta chẳng khác nào nhập bọn với ma quỷ. (Working for him is no different from joining forces with devils.)