Definition

1. Verb:
   • To launch, to propel: To cause an object to move forward or away from a starting point with force and speed. Often used for projectiles, vehicles, or spacecraft.
   • To speed, to dash: To move oneself or a vehicle at a very high speed.
   • To enlarge, to blow up: To make a copy of an image, drawing, or plan larger than the original.
   • To trace, to copy: To reproduce a drawing or text by following the lines of an original placed underneath.

Usage Examples

• To launch:
  • Nhà khoa học phóng vệ tinh vào quỹ đạo. (The scientist launched the satellite into orbit.)
  • Tàu ngầm phóng ngư lôi. (The submarine launched a torpedo.)
• To speed:
  • Anh ta phóng xe máy trên đường cao tốc. (He sped his motorbike on the highway.)
  • Đứa trẻ phóng một mạch từ trường về nhà. (The child dashed all the way from school to home.)
• To enlarge:
  • Cửa hàng có thể phóng bức ảnh này lên khổ lớn. (The shop can enlarge this photo to a large size.)
• To trace:
  • Họa sĩ phóng lại bức tranh cổ. (The artist traced the ancient painting.)

Advanced Usage

• "phóng ra": to emit, to release, to let out.
  • Nhà máy bị cáo buộc phóng ra chất thải độc hại. (The factory is accused of emitting toxic waste.)
• "phóng đại": to exaggerate, to magnify (literally and figuratively).
  • Đừng phóng đại sự việc lên như vậy. (Don't exaggerate the matter like that.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phóng sinh (v): to release captive animals (often for religious merit).
  • Phóng sinh chim bồ câu là một nghi lễ. (Releasing doves is a ritual.)
• Phóng túng (adj): uninhibited, unrestrained, libertine.
  • Lối sống phóng túng của anh ấy gây nhiều tranh cãi. (His uninhibited lifestyle is controversial.)
• Phóng viên (n): reporter, correspondent.
  • Phóng viên đang đưa tin trực tiếp từ hiện trường. (The reporter is broadcasting live from the scene.)

Synonyms

• Launch: to set in motion (e.g., a rocket).
• Hurl/Throw: to propel through the air with force.
• Speed/Zoom: to move very fast.
• Enlarge: to make larger.
• Trace: to copy by drawing over.

Related Idioms

• Phóng lao phải theo lao: Literally, "If you throw the spear, you must follow the spear." Meaning: You must follow through with your actions or commitments; you started it, you must finish it.
  • Anh đã hứa thì phải làm, phóng lao phải theo lao. (You promised, so you must do it; you must see it through.)
• Phóng như bay: To go like the wind, to move extremely fast.
  • Chiếc xe phóng như bay trên đường đua. (The car sped like the wind on the racetrack.)

verb

1. to throw, to launch, to let out
   • phóng ra một cuộc tấn công
     to launch an attack