Definition

1. Verb:
   • To catch fire / to ignite: Refers to an object or material beginning to burn, often suddenly or accidentally.
   • To open fire / to start shooting: In a military or conflict context, it means to begin shooting weapons.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Căn nhà bằng gỗ rất dễ phát hoả. (The wooden house is very prone to catching fire.)
  • Đơn vị đã nhận lệnh phát hoả vào mục tiêu. (The unit received the order to open fire on the target.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal or news contexts to describe the start of a fire or an armed engagement. It implies the initiation of a potentially dangerous or destructive action.

Variants and Related Words

• Bốc cháy (v): to burst into flames (often more intense/sudden than "phát hoả").
• Khai hoả (v): to open fire (a more formal military synonym).

Synonyms

• Catch fire: to begin burning.
• Open fire: to begin shooting.

Related Idioms

• Như củi khô gặp lửa: Literally "like dry wood meeting fire," meaning a situation escalates extremely quickly, similar to something being ready to phát hoả easily.