Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To fall victim to someone's charms; to be captivated or enchanted by someone. This phrase describes the state of being irresistibly attracted to or infatuated with another person, often implying a sense of being helplessly charmed or bewitched.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy đã phải bả cô ấy ngay từ cái nhìn đầu tiên. (He fell victim to her charms from the very first glance.)
  • Có vẻ như anh chàng mới phải bả cô bạn cùng phòng của tôi rồi. (It seems the new guy has been captivated by my roommate.)
  • Đừng để mình phải bả bởi những lời đường mật. (Don't let yourself be enchanted by sweet talk.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "phải bả" is informal and often used in conversational contexts. It carries a slightly playful or teasing tone when describing someone's infatuation.
• It can be used in various tenses by conjugating the auxiliary verb "phải" (e.g., - past tense, - future tense).

Variants and Related Words

• Bả (noun, archaic/poetic): A term for a witch or enchantress. The modern phrase "phải bả" derives from this, likening the person who charms to a sorceress.
• Mê hoặc (verb): To bewitch, to fascinate. This is a more formal synonym for the enchanting action.
• Say đắm (verb): To be deeply infatuated, to be enamored.

Synonyms

• Bị mê hoặc: To be bewitched.
• Bị cuốn hút: To be attracted, to be drawn in.
• Bị hớp hồn: To have one's soul captured (idiomatic for being mesmerized).

Related Idioms

• Phải tà phải bả: A reinforced idiom meaning to be under a spell or evil influence, often used more broadly than just romantic contexts. It suggests being led astray by negative charms or temptations.
  • Hắn ta nghe lời xúi giục, chắc là phải tà phải bả rồi. (He's listening to the instigation; he must be under some kind of spell.)

1. (bóng) Fall victim to somebody's charms
   • Cậu ta phải bả cô ả rồi!
     He has fallen victim to her charms