Definition

1. Verb phrase:

   • To put on (an air/airs); to assume the appearance of: To deliberately behave or present oneself in a way that suggests a particular quality, often to impress or deceive others.
   • To look the part; to have the air of: To appear suitably or convincingly like a certain type of person or thing, often indicating a development or maturation into that role.

2. Adverb (colloquial):

   • Very; quite; to a notable degree: Used as an intensifier to emphasize that a quality is present to a significant or impressive extent.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Cô ấy ra dáng ngây thơ để được mọi người thương hại. (She puts on an innocent air to gain everyone's sympathy.)
  • Cậu bé ấy giờ đã ra dáng một sinh viên đại học. (That boy now looks the part of a university student.)
• Adverb (colloquial):
  • Căn nhà mới trang trí đẹp ra dáng. (The newly decorated house looks quite beautiful.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a performance or an impression that may not be entirely genuine or complete. It can carry a slight nuance of pretense or of growing into a role.
• It is commonly used with nouns following it that describe a role, status, or quality (e.g., - to look the part of a host, - to put on the air of an expert).

Variants and Related Words

• Làm ra dáng (verb phrase): A more explicit form meaning "to act as if," "to put on airs."
  • Anh ta luôn làm ra dáng người giàu có. (He always acts as if he is a wealthy person.)

Synonyms

• To pretend: To behave so as to make it appear that something is the case when it is not.
• To seem: To give the impression of being something.
• To look like: To have an appearance that resembles something.

Related Idioms

• Ra dáng ra kiểu: To put on full airs; to act in a very affected or pretentious manner.
  • Mới có chức nhỏ đã ra dáng ra kiểu lắm. (He just got a minor position but is already putting on full airs.)

verb

1. to put on
   • ra dáng ngây thơ
     to put on an innocent air