Definition

1. Noun:
   • A playing card: A single piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard, marked with distinctive symbols, numbers, and figures, used in playing various games. This is the most common and literal meaning.
   • A piece in a board game: Can refer to a token, counter, or figurine used in certain tabletop games.
   • A strategic asset or person (figurative): Often used metaphorically to describe a person, resource, or factor that is used tactically within a plan, negotiation, or competitive situation.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal):
  • Anh ấy rút một quân bài từ bộ bài. (He drew a playing card from the deck.)
  • Trò chơi này cần 52 quân bài. (This game requires 52 playing cards.)
• Noun (figurative):
  • Ông ấy là quân bài chủ chốt trong chiến lược của công ty. (He is a key piece in the company's strategy.)
  • Họ đã sử dụng quân bài cuối cùng trong cuộc đàm phán. (They used their final card in the negotiation.)

Advanced Usage

• The figurative use is prevalent in contexts like politics, business, and conflict, implying calculation and leverage.
  • "quân bài tẩy": a hidden/trump card; a secret resource or strategy held in reserve for a decisive moment.

    • Đội đối thủ vẫn chưa sử dụng quân bài tẩy của họ. (The opposing team hasn't used their trump card yet.)

Variants and Related Words

• Con bài (n): A synonym, often used interchangeably with "quân bài" for a playing card or a figurative piece.
• Lá bài (n): Another common synonym for a playing card. "Lá" means leaf, emphasizing the thin, flat nature.

Synonyms

• Playing card: The standard term for the physical object.
• Game piece: A token used in a board game.
• Asset / Pawn (figurative): A resource or person used strategically. ("Pawn" carries a more expendable or manipulative connotation.)

Related Idioms

• Ngửa bài: To reveal one's cards/hand; to disclose one's plans or resources.
  • Đã đến lúc phải ngửa bài. (It's time to show our cards.)
• Đánh bài ngửa: To act openly and transparently.
  • Công ty quyết định đánh bài ngửa với khách hàng. (The company decided to deal with its customers openly.)