Definition

Verb: - To strive, to exert oneself, to make a great effort: This is the core meaning of "ra sức." It describes putting in significant physical or mental effort to achieve a goal or complete a task. It implies a deliberate and vigorous application of one's energy and capabilities.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các vận động viên đang ra sức thi đấu. (The athletes are striving to compete.)
  • Cô ấy ra sức học tập để đỗ đại học. (She exerted herself in her studies to get into university.)
  • Chúng tôi sẽ ra sức hoàn thành dự án đúng hạn. (We will make a great effort to complete the project on time.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a connotation of wholehearted dedication and is frequently used in contexts of overcoming challenges or contributing to a collective cause.
• It can be used in both positive (commendable effort) and negative (excessive strain) contexts, though it is typically positive.

Variants and Related Words

• Cố gắng (v): to try, to attempt. While similar, "cố gắng" is generally less intense than "ra sức," which implies a stronger, more forceful exertion.
• Nỗ lực (v/n): to endeavor, effort. "Nỗ lực" is a more formal synonym, often used in written language.

Synonyms

• Strive: to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
• Exert oneself: to make a physical or mental effort.
• Endeavor: to try hard to do or achieve something.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ra sức ra tài: To exert both effort and talent; to pour all of one's ability and energy into something.
  • Để thành công, anh ấy phải ra sức ra tài. (To succeed, he had to exert all his effort and talent.)
• While "ra sức" itself is a set phrase, it is commonly combined with action verbs (e.g., - to strive to work, - to strive to fight) to specify the area of effort.

verb

1. to strive, to exert oneself