noi bước
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To follow in someone's footsteps: To pursue the same path, career, or lifestyle as a predecessor, especially a respected or admired one. It implies continuing a tradition, legacy, or example set by another person.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Thế hệ trẻ nguyện noi bước cha anh. (The younger generation vows to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers.)
- Cô ấy muốn noi bước thầy giáo cũ để trở thành một nhà giáo dục. (She wants to follow in her old teacher's footsteps to become an educator.)
- Chúng tôi sẽ cố gắng noi bước các nhà khoa học vĩ đại. (We will strive to follow in the footsteps of great scientists.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used in a positive, aspirational context, referring to emulating the admirable qualities or achievements of a role model. It carries a formal and respectful tone.
Variants and Related Words
- Noi gương (verb phrase): to follow someone's example, to emulate. This is a close synonym but focuses more on mirroring someone's conduct or virtues.
- Anh ấy luôn noi gương người cha đáng kính. (He always follows the example of his respectable father.)
Synonyms
- To emulate: To match or surpass a person, typically by imitation.
- To follow someone's example: To behave in a way that copies someone else's actions.
Related Idioms
- Nối nghiệp: to take over/continue the family profession or business. While "noi bước" is broader, "nối nghiệp" is more specific to professional or trade succession.
- Cậu con trai đã nối nghiệp cha làm bác sĩ. (The son continued the father's profession as a doctor.)