Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To take pains; to make a concerted effort: To apply oneself diligently and with significant effort to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. It implies going beyond a normal level of effort, often involving perseverance and dedication.
   • To exert oneself; to strive: To put in substantial physical or mental effort towards a specific objective.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy đã ra công học tập và đỗ đại học. (He took pains with his studies and passed the university entrance exam.)
  • Cô ấy ra công chăm sóc khu vườn. (She took great pains to care for the garden.)
  • Họ ra công tìm kiếm tài liệu cho dự án. (They exerted themselves to find materials for the project.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a nuance of commendable or admirable effort, especially when facing difficulty. It can be used to acknowledge someone's hard work.
  • Thấy con ra công luyện tập, mẹ rất vui. (Seeing her child strive in practice, the mother was very happy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ra sức (verb phrase): to exert strength, to try one's hardest. It is a close synonym but can sometimes imply a more forceful or intense burst of effort.

  • Cầu thủ ra sức ghi bàn trong phút cuối. (The player tried his hardest to score in the final minute.)

• Cố gắng (verb): to try, to endeavor. A more general term for making an effort.

  • Tôi sẽ cố gắng hoàn thành bài tập. (I will try to finish the homework.)

Synonyms

• To take pains: To be careful and diligent.
• To strive: To make great efforts toward a goal.
• To exert oneself: To put forth physical or mental energy.
• To apply oneself: To devote one's attention and effort.

Related Idioms

• Ra công rèn luyện: To strive to practice/train.

  • Vận động viên ra công rèn luyện mỗi ngày. (The athlete strives to train every day.)

• Ra công sửa chữa: To take pains to repair/fix.

  • Bác thợ ra công sửa chữa chiếc đồng hồ cũ. (The craftsman took pains to repair the old clock.)

1. Take [great] pains with (over)
   • Ra công làm việc của mình
     To take pains with one's work