so bì
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To compare enviously, to be envious: To compare oneself with others in a resentful or jealous manner, often focusing on perceived advantages or disadvantages, and feeling discontent because someone else has something one desires. It implies a sense of competition and unwillingness to accept being at a disadvantage.
Usage
The verb "so bì" describes the act of making invidious comparisons. It is often used to criticize this behavior as petty or detrimental to relationships. - It is commonly used in the structure: "so bì với ai/việc gì" (to compare enviously with someone/something). - It can be used reflexively: "so bì nhau" (to envy/compete resentfully with each other).
Usage Examples
- (Children should not compare enviously with each other over gifts.)
- (He often compares himself enviously with colleagues who have higher salaries.)
- (Don't be envious over such trivial matters.)
Advanced Usage
- "so bì hơn thiệt": To meticulously compare gains and losses, to nitpick about who gets more or less.
- Tinh thần đoàn kết sẽ bị ảnh hưởng nếu mọi người cứ so bì hơn thiệt. (The spirit of unity will be affected if everyone keeps comparing gains and losses.)
Variants and Related Words
- So đo (verb): To calculate and compare meticulously, often over small benefits. This word is very close in meaning to "so bì" but can sometimes imply a slightly more calculating nature.
- Anh ta so đo từng đồng một. (He calculates and compares every single penny.)
- Tị nạnh (verb): To be jealous, to bear a grudge due to jealousy. It emphasizes the feeling of jealousy more than the act of comparison.
- Cô ấy tị nạnh với người bạn được khen. (She is jealous of her friend who received praise.)
Synonyms
- Ghen tị (verb): To be jealous, to envy. This is a more general term for jealousy.
- Đố kỵ (verb): To be envious, to begrudge. This word often implies malice or ill will stemming from envy.
Related Idioms
- "So bì như mẹ chồng nàng dâu": To compare and compete resentfully like a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law (a proverbial relationship often depicted as contentious). This idiom highlights pettiness and constant comparison.
- Hai đội đó cứ so bì như mẹ chồng nàng dâu. (Those two teams keep competing resentfully like a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.)