sửa gáy
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To trim or tidy the hair at the nape of the neck: This phrase specifically refers to the grooming action of cutting, shaving, or neatening the hairline on the back of the neck, often as part of a haircut or maintenance between full haircuts.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Tôi chỉ cần sửa gáy thôi, không cần cắt tỉa nhiều. (I just need to tidy up the nape; I don't need a full trim.)
- Thợ cắt tóc sửa gáy rất cẩn thận. (The barber trims the hair at the nape very carefully.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used in the context of barbering, hairdressing, or personal grooming. It describes a precise, localized action rather than a complete haircut.
Variants and Related Words
Cắt tóc (v): to cut hair.
- Anh ấy đi cắt tóc mỗi tháng. (He gets a haircut every month.)
Tỉa tóc (v): to trim hair.
- Cô ấy tỉa tóc mái. (She trims her bangs.)
Synonyms
- To neaten the neckline: A descriptive synonym in barbering context.
- To trim the back: A more general phrase for the same action.
Notes on Usage
- "Sửa gáy" is a compound verb phrase. The word "sửa" alone means to fix, repair, or correct. "Gáy" means the nape (the back of the neck). When combined, the meaning is specialized to hair grooming.
- This is a common request at barbershops or hair salons in Vietnam, indicating a desire for a quick touch-up focused solely on the neck area.