Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To put (something) out to dry in the sun: The primary action of placing an object, typically laundry, food, or other items, in direct sunlight to remove moisture or to dry.
   • To expose (something) to the sun: The deliberate act of allowing something to be in the sunlight, often for purposes of drying, warming, or airing out.

2. Verb (intransitive, often reflexive):

   • To sunbathe; to expose oneself to the sun: For people or animals to lie or sit in the sun, usually for leisure, warmth, or health.
   • To play in the sun (typically of children): To engage in activity outdoors under the sun.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):

  • Mẹ tôi phơi nắng chăn màn trên sân thượng. (My mother put the blankets out to dry in the sun on the rooftop.)
  • Người nông dân phơi nắng lúa trên sân. (The farmer dries the rice in the sun on the yard.)

• Verb (intransitive):

  • Bọn trẻ con thích phơi nắng và bơi ở biển. (The children like to play in the sun and swim at the beach.)
  • Mèo thường nằm phơi nắng bên cửa sổ. (Cats often lie and sunbathe by the window.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can imply a passive or relaxed state of being in the sun, not necessarily involving active play.
  • Sau giờ làm, anh ấy chỉ muốn ngồi phơi nắng một mình. (After work, he just wants to sit and soak up the sun alone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phơi (v): The root verb meaning "to dry (in the air/sun)" or "to expose." It is often followed by an object or a complement indicating the location or medium (e.g., - to dry clothes, - to expose to dew).
• Tắm nắng (v): A near-synonym specifically meaning "to sunbathe," often with a stronger connotation of health or leisure.

Synonyms

• Sun-dry: To dry using the sun's heat.
• Air (in the sun): To expose to the open air and sunlight.
• Sunbathe: To sit or lie in the sun.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Phơi nắng phơi sương: An idiom describing enduring hardship or being exposed to the elements, often used metaphorically for a difficult, outdoor life.
  • Công việc đồng áng khiến họ phải phơi nắng phơi sương cả đời. (Farming work forced them to toil under the sun and dew their whole lives.)

1. Put (hang) out to dry in the sun
2. Expose to the sun; play in the sun (of children)