Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To miss a train (or boat): To arrive too late to board a scheduled train or boat, causing one to be left behind.
   • To miss an opportunity (figurative): To fail to take advantage of a favorable chance or moment, often due to delay or hesitation.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning:
  • Chúng tôi đến ga muộn nên đã nhỡ tàu. (We arrived at the station late and missed the train.)
• Figurative meaning:
  • Cơ hội đó rất hiếm, đừng để nhỡ tàu. (That opportunity is rare; don't miss it.)
  • Anh ấy nhỡ tàu mua nhà khi giá còn thấp. (He missed the chance to buy a house when prices were low.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is commonly used in economic or social contexts to describe missing a key trend, investment, or life event.
  • Nhiều người tiếc nuối vì đã nhỡ tàu công nghệ. (Many people regret missing the tech boom.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhỡ chuyến (verb phrase): To miss a trip/flight; a more general term for missing a scheduled transport.
  • Cô ấy nhỡ chuyến bay về Hà Nội. (She missed her flight to Hanoi.)
• Lỡ tàu: A less common but synonymous variant with identical meaning and usage.

Synonyms

• To miss the boat/train: To be too late for an opportunity.
• To let slip: To fail to seize a chance.
• To be left behind: To fail to keep up with others.

Related Idioms

• Nhỡ cơ hội: To miss an opportunity. This is a direct synonym for the figurative use.
  • Nhỡ cơ hội ấy, anh ta hối tiếc mãi. (Having missed that chance, he regretted it forever.)
• Bỏ lỡ: A more general verb meaning to let something slip away or miss out.
  • Đừng bỏ lỡ dịp may này. (Don't miss out on this lucky break.)