ra toà

Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To go to court / to appear in court: The primary meaning of "ra toà" is the act of presenting oneself before a judge or a judicial body, either as a party involved in a case (e.g., a plaintiff, defendant, or witness) or for a legal proceeding to take place.
   • To be brought to trial: It can also refer specifically to a defendant being formally presented in court to face charges.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Bị cáo sẽ ra toà vào tuần tới. (The defendant will appear in court next week.)
  • Vụ án đã sẵn sàng để ra toà. (The case is ready to go to trial.)
  • Anh ta phải ra toà với tư cách nhân chứng. (He has to go to court as a witness.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase implies a formal, often obligatory, engagement with the judicial system. It is neutral and can be used for both civil and criminal matters.
• It often carries a serious connotation, associated with legal disputes, accusations, or the resolution of conflicts through the legal system.

Variants and Related Words

• Đưa ra toà (verb phrase): to bring someone to court, to take someone to trial.

  • Công ty bị đưa ra toà vì vi phạm hợp đồng. (The company was taken to court for breach of contract.)

• Phiên toà (noun): a court session, a hearing.

  • Phiên toà được ấn định vào tháng Ba. (The court hearing is scheduled for March.)

Synonyms

• Appear in court: To present oneself before a judicial authority.
• Go to trial: For a case to be heard and judged in court.
• Stand trial: To be a defendant in a court case.

Related Idioms

• While "ra toà" itself is a standard phrase, it is central to expressions about legal confrontation.
• Chuyện nhỏ, không cần ra toà: (It's a small matter, no need to go to court.) – Used to suggest resolving a minor dispute informally.