Definition

1. Adjective/Adverbial Phrase:
   • With one's back to the light; in a position where the light source is behind one, causing oneself or an object to be in shadow: Describes the posture or position of a person or object that blocks the light, making it difficult to see details clearly. It often implies an unfavorable condition for activities like reading or working.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverbial Phrase:
  • Không nên ngồi sấp bóng khi đọc sách. (You should not sit with your back to the light when reading.)
  • Bức ảnh chụp bị sấp bóng, không nhìn rõ khuôn mặt. (The photo was taken against the light, so the face is not clear.)
  • Anh ấy đứng sấp bóng nên tôi không nhận ra. (He was standing with the light behind him, so I didn't recognize him.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "sấp bóng" is often used to describe an unfavorable visual condition caused by poor positioning relative to a light source. It is a fixed descriptive phrase.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngược sáng (v): To be backlit; a more technical or photographic term for a similar condition where the subject is in front of a light source.
  • Chụp ảnh ngược sáng thường tạo ra bóng đen. (Taking a backlit photo often creates a silhouette.)
• Che ánh sáng (v): To block the light.
  • Cái cây lớn che ánh sáng mặt trời. (The large tree blocks the sunlight.)

Synonyms

• Chỗ tối (n): A dark spot; a place with little light. (This refers to the location, not the posture.)
• Bị khuất ánh sáng (v): To be obscured from the light; to be in a position where light does not reach directly.

Related Idioms

• Ngồi sấp bóng: This is the most common collocation, forming a complete phrase meaning "to sit with one's back to the light."
  • Nhớ đừng ngồi sấp bóng hại mắt. (Remember not to sit with your back to the light, it's bad for your eyes.)

1. With one's back to the light
   • Ngồi sấp bóng khó đọc
     It is hard to read when one sits with one's back to the light