Definition

1. Adjective phrase:

   • Timely / Well-timed: Occurring or done at a suitable or advantageous moment; opportune.
   • Fashionable / In vogue: Being in accordance with the current style, trend, or popular taste.

2. Adjective phrase (figurative):

   • To be in one's prime / to have one's moment: To be at the peak period of success, relevance, or influence.

Usage Examples

• Adjective phrase:
  • Chiến lược marketing của họ rất phải thời. (Their marketing strategy is very timely.)
  • Kiểu tóc đó năm nay rất phải thời. (That hairstyle is very fashionable this year.)
  • Anh ấy là một nhạc sĩ phải thời. (He is a musician who is in his prime / very much of the moment.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a strategic advantage gained from perfect timing or alignment with contemporary trends. It can describe actions, products, ideas, or people.
• (Investing in solar energy right now is very timely/opportune.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hợp thời (adj): Synonymous, meaning timely or fashionable.
• Đúng lúc (adj phrase): Means "at the right time," focusing more on punctuality than trendiness.

Synonyms

• Opportune: Especially suitable or right for a particular moment.
• Trendy: Very fashionable or up to date.
• Apropos: Very appropriate to a particular situation.

Related Idioms

• "Thiên thời, địa lợi, nhân hòa": This traditional concept ("Right time, right place, right people") relates closely to "phải thời," which encapsulates the "right time" element.
• "Được mùa được giá": While literally about crops, this idiom (to have a good harvest and good prices) shares the concept of favorable timing leading to success.