Definition

Verb: - To order, to command, to instruct: The word "sai bảo" means to give orders, commands, or instructions to someone, typically someone of a lower status or within one's charge, expecting them to be obeyed or carried out. It implies a relationship where the speaker has authority.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ông chủ sai bảo nhân viên làm việc. (The boss orders the employees to work.)
  • Mẹ tôi thường sai bảo tôi dọn dẹp nhà cửa. (My mother often instructs me to clean the house.)
  • Anh ấy không thích bị người khác sai bảo. (He does not like being ordered around by others.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a nuance of directing subordinates or family members. It can sometimes imply a series of tasks or ongoing instructions.
  • Bà ấy suốt ngày sai bảo người giúp việc. (She spends all day giving orders to the maid.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sai (v): to send on an errand; to assign a task. This is the core verb from which "sai bảo" is derived, often used interchangeably but "sai bảo" can emphasize the act of commanding more strongly.

  • Sai đứa trẻ đi mua đồ. (To send the child to buy things.)

• Sai khiến (v): to order about, to boss around. This is a close synonym, often with a slightly more negative connotation of arbitrary command.

  • Anh ta thích sai khiến người khác. (He likes to boss others around.)

Synonyms

• Command: to give an authoritative order.
• Order: to give an instruction that must be obeyed.
• Direct: to manage or guide by giving instructions.
• Instruct: to tell someone to do something, especially officially.

Related Idioms

• Sai bảo chân tay: to order one's limbs about (i.e., to have full control over one's subordinates or helpers).
  • Ông ấy có một nhóm người trung thành để sai bảo chân tay. (He has a loyal group of people to command.)

1. (như) sai