Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To assume the look of; to put on airs of: To deliberately project an appearance or manner that suggests one possesses a certain quality, status, or knowledge, often in a pretentious or self-important way.
   • To act as if; to give oneself the airs of: To behave in a way that shows off or implies one is something specific, such as being knowledgeable, important, or virtuous.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta ra điều là người học rộng. (He assumes the look of a scholar / He puts on airs of being erudite.)
  • Đừng ra điều ta đây quan trọng. (Don't act as if you're so important.)
  • Cô ấy hay ra điều mình hiểu biết. (She often gives herself the airs of being knowledgeable.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used critically to describe someone whose displayed attitude or behavior is perceived as affected, arrogant, or not matching their true nature or status.
• It can be combined with various nouns or descriptive phrases to specify the particular "airs" someone is putting on (e.g., – to put on airs of being rich; – to act holier-than-thou).

Variants and Related Words

• Làm ra vẻ (verb phrase): to pretend to be, to affect a manner. A close synonym with a similar critical tone.
  • Hắn làm ra vẻ thông thái. (He pretends to be wise.)
• Lên mặt (verb): to put on airs, to give oneself airs. Often used interchangeably with .
  • Anh ấy lên mặt dạy đời. (He puts on airs of preaching.)

Synonyms

• To put on airs: To behave in a way that shows a sense of superiority.
• To affect: To pretend to have or feel something.
• To pose as: To pretend to be someone or something.
• To give oneself airs: To act in a superior manner.

Related Idioms

• Ra oai: To show off one's power or authority, often in a bullying way. While related, focuses more on demonstrating power rather than assuming a general appearance.
  • Ông chủ nhỏ hay ra oai với nhân viên. (The petty boss often throws his weight around with the employees.)
• Làm bộ làm tịch: To put on an act, to feign. Emphasizes theatrical pretense.
  • Cô ấy làm bộ làm tịch như sắp khóc. (She put on an act as if she was about to cry.)

1. Assume the look of
   • Ra điều là người học rộng
     To assume the look of a scholar