Definition

1. Intransitive Verb:

   • To float; to be on the surface of a liquid without sinking: The primary meaning, indicating an object or substance staying above water or another liquid.
   • To rise; to appear; to emerge: To become visible, apparent, or to start occurring, often suddenly (e.g., wind rising, a rash appearing).
   • To stand out; to be prominent: To be conspicuous or highlighted, especially in contrast to a background.
   • To be capable of; to be able to bear/manage: Used with a main verb to indicate the ability or capacity to accomplish something, often under challenging conditions.

2. Adjective:

   • Prominent; raised; in relief: Describing something that is physically raised above a surface or figuratively stands out.
   • Beautiful/attractive in a striking way: Making someone or something look more beautiful or attractive.

3. Adverb:

   • Above the surface: In a raised position relative to the surrounding area.

Usage Examples

• As an Intransitive Verb:

  • Chiếc phao nổi trên mặt nước. (The buoy floats on the water's surface.)
  • Trời đột nhiên nổi gió lớn. (The wind suddenly rose / started blowing strongly.)
  • Màu trắng nổi bật trên nền đen. (The white color stands out against the black background.)
  • Anh ấy có vác nổi cái thùng này không? (Is he able to carry / capable of carrying this crate?)

• As an Adjective:

  • Cô ấy mặc bộ váy rất nổi. (She wears a very striking / becoming dress.)
  • Chữ nổi dành cho người khiếm thị. (Braille / Raised letters for the visually impaired.)

• As an Adverb:

  • Bức tượng được chạm nổi. (The statue is carved in relief.)

Advanced Usage

• "nổi lên": To emerge, to rise up, to come to prominence.

  • Một ngôi sao mới nổi lên trong làng điện ảnh. (A new star has emerged in the film industry.)

• "nổi bật": To be outstanding, prominent, conspicuous.

  • Thành tích học tập của cô ấy rất nổi bật. (Her academic achievements are very outstanding.)

• "nổi tiếng": To be famous, well-known.

  • Thành phố này nổi tiếng về ẩm thực. (This city is famous for its cuisine.)

• "làm nổi bật": To highlight, to emphasize, to make something stand out.

  • Bài phát biểu làm nổi bật tầm quan trọng của giáo dục. (The speech highlighted the importance of education.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nổi trôi (verb phrase): To float adrift; figuratively, to lead an unstable, drifting life.
• Nổi loạn (verb): To rebel, to revolt.
• Nổi giận (verb): To get angry, to flare up.
• Sức nổi (noun): Buoyancy.
• Chìm nổi (idiomatic adjective): Vicissitudes, ups and downs (of life).

Synonyms

• Lềnh bềnh (verb): To float, to drift (often on water).
• Hiện ra (verb): To appear, to become visible.
• Trội hơn (verb/adjective): To surpass, to be superior; prominent.
• Có thể (verb phrase): To be able to, can (for the capacity meaning).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Nổi cơn (~ + noun): To have a fit/spell of (something, usually negative).
  • Đứa trẻ nổi cơn khóc. (The child burst into crying.)
• Nổi máu (~ + noun): To be overcome by a (usually negative) trait or urge.
  • Hắn nổi máu tham lam. (He was overcome by greed.)

Related Idioms

• Của chìm của nổi: Literally "sunken and floating property"; figuratively, all of one's possessions, both hidden and visible.
  • Phải quản lý cả của chìm của nổi. (One must manage all assets, both tangible and intangible.)
• Nổi như cồn: To become very famous/popular very quickly (like an island emerging).
  • Bài hát đó nổi như cồn chỉ sau một đêm. (That song became an overnight sensation.)

verb

1. to float; to overfloat
   • bèo nổi mặt ao
     Waterfern floats on the surface of the fond
2. To rise; to develop
   • trời nổi gió
     The wind rises
3. Be brought out