Definition

Verb: 1. To share, to divide (food, liquid, etc.): The primary meaning is to take a portion from a larger amount (especially of food or drink) and give it to others, or to divide it among people. It implies a caring, equitable distribution. 2. To pour out, to spill (a small amount): This meaning, often found in regional/dialectal usage, describes the action of accidentally or intentionally letting a few drops of liquid fall while pouring.

Usage Examples

• To share, to divide:
  • Mẹ sớt cơm cho các con. (Mother shares the rice among the children.)
  • Anh ấy sớt bớt phần canh của mình cho tôi. (He shared some of his soup with me.)
• To pour out, to spill (a few drops):
  • Cẩn thận kẻo sớt nước ra sàn. (Be careful not to spill water on the floor.)
  • Rót nước sớt ra bàn. (Pouring water and letting a few drops fall on the table.)

Advanced Usage

• "sớt chia": This compound emphasizes the act of sharing and dividing, often used for abstract concepts like feelings or responsibilities.
  • Họ cùng nhau sớt chia niềm vui và nỗi buồn. (They share joys and sorrows together.)
• The verb often carries a connotation of kindness, compassion, or community when used in the sense of sharing.

Variants and Related Words

• San sẻ (verb): To share, to divide. This is a very close synonym for the primary meaning of "sớt".
• Chia (verb): To divide, to share. A more general and common term.
• Rót (verb): To pour. This is the main verb for pouring liquids.
• Làm đổ (verb phrase): To spill. A more general term for spilling.

Synonyms

• Chia sẻ: To share.
• Phân chia: To divide, to distribute.
• San bằng: To level, to equalize (in the sense of distributing evenly).

Related Phrases

• Sớt cơm: To share/divide rice.
• Sớt canh: To share/divide soup.
• Sớt nước mắt: This is an idiomatic expression meaning "to shed tears".
  • Cô ấy sớt nước mắt khi nghe tin buồn. (She shed tears upon hearing the sad news.)

Notes on Usage

• In modern standard Vietnamese, the meaning "to share/divide" is more common than the meaning "to spill a few drops," which is considered more dialectal.
• When used for sharing food, it often implies a gesture from someone serving (like a parent) to others.

verb

1. to share, to pour to divide