Definition

1. Adverb (phó từ):

   • To be about to: Indicates that an action or event is imminent, on the verge of happening, or will begin in the very near future.

2. Verb (động từ):

   • To prepare / to make ready / to get ready: To make arrangements or complete necessary tasks in advance of an event or action.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (indicating imminence):

  • Sắp sửa đi thì trời mưa. (I was about to go when it rained.)
  • Trời sắp sửa tối. (It is about to get dark.)

• Verb (indicating preparation):

  • Sắp sửa cho đủ trước khi đi. (To make full preparations before leaving.)
  • Cô ấy đang sắp sửa bữa tối. (She is preparing dinner.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can sometimes carry both meanings simultaneously, implying preparation for an imminent event. The specific meaning is derived from context.
  • Chúng tôi sắp sửa đón khách. (We are about to receive guests / We are preparing to receive guests.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sắp (adv): Soon, about to. A shorter, more common synonym for the adverbial meaning of "sắp sửa."

  • Tôi sắp về. (I am about to go home.)

• Chuẩn bị (v): To prepare. A more direct and common synonym for the verbal meaning of "sắp sửa."

  • Chuẩn bị bài học. (To prepare a lesson.)

Synonyms

• About to, on the point of, on the verge of (for the adverbial meaning).
• Prepare, arrange, make ready (for the verbal meaning).

Related Idioms

• Sắp sửa lên đường: To be about to depart or set off on a journey.
  • Mọi thứ đã xong, chúng tôi sắp sửa lên đường. (Everything is done, we are about to set off.)

1. Be about tọ
   • Sắp sửa đi thì trời mưa
     To be about to go when it rains
2. Make preparations, make ready
   • Sắp sửa cho đủ trước khi đi
     To make full preparations (make everything ready) before leaving