Definition

1. Verb:
   • To walk abreast: To walk side by side, with shoulders aligned.
   • To be well-matched; to be on equal footing: To be comparable in status, ability, or achievement; to stand as equals.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai người bạn thân sánh vai nhau dạo phố. (The two close friends walked abreast down the street.)
  • Cô ấy đã nỗ lực để có thể sánh vai với các đồng nghiệp xuất sắc. (She worked hard to be well-matched with her outstanding colleagues.)
  • Hai đội bóng sánh vai nhau trong trận chung kết. (The two football teams were well-matched in the final.)

Advanced Usage

• "sánh vai cùng": To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with; to be on par with.
  • Việt Nam đang từng bước sánh vai cùng các cường quốc năm châu. (Vietnam is gradually standing shoulder-to-shoulder with powers across the five continents.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sánh (verb): To compare; to match. Often used in compounds to indicate comparison or pairing (e.g., - to form a pair/couple, - to compare).
• Vai (noun): Shoulder. Used literally and figuratively (e.g., - to play a role, - seniority/status).

Synonyms

• Đi ngang hàng: To walk side by side.
• Ngang hàng: To be equal in rank or status.
• Sánh kịp: To catch up to; to be comparable to.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Sánh vai cùng ai": A common phrase emphasizing the act of being or becoming an equal partner or companion to someone.
  • Mong ước của dân tộc là sánh vai cùng các nước phát triển. (The nation's aspiration is to stand as an equal with developed countries.)

verb

1. to walk abreast to be well-matched