Definition

1. Phrase:
   • As if / As though: Used to describe someone's behavior or appearance that suggests a particular state, feeling, or intention, often one that is not genuine or is performed for effect. It indicates an action done to give a specific impression.

Usage Examples

• Phrase:
  • Nó làm ra bộ như không có việc gì xảy ra cả. (He behaved as if nothing had happened.)
  • Cô ấy cười ra bộ rất tự tin. (She smiled as though she were very confident.)
  • Anh ta ngồi im ra bộ không nghe thấy gì. (He sat silently as if he heard nothing.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "ra bộ" is often followed by "như" (like/as) or "rất" (very) to complete the comparison. It typically precedes a clause describing the pretended or apparent state.
  • Nó nói ra bộ như một chuyên gia. (He spoke as if he were an expert.)

Variants and Related Words

• Làm ra bộ (v phrase): to act as if, to pretend.
  • Đừng làm ra bộ ngạc nhiên nữa. (Stop acting so surprised.)
• Tỏ ra (v): to show, to appear. This is a more general term for displaying an attitude or state, which can be genuine or not.
  • Cô ấy tỏ ra lo lắng. (She appeared worried.)

Synonyms

• As if: in a way that suggests something.
• As though: with the appearance of; seemingly.
• Pretending to be: behaving so as to make it appear that something is the case.

Related Idioms

• Ra vẻ: to put on airs, to affect a manner. This is a close synonym but can carry a stronger negative connotation of pretentiousness.
  • Anh ta ra vẻ ta đây giàu có. (He puts on airs of being rich.)

1. As if
   • Nó làm ra bộ như không có việc gì xảy ra cả
     He behaved as if nothing had happened