nhỡ tàu
Definition
- 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.)