túc trực
Definition
- Verb:
- To keep watch: To be present and vigilant, often to guard, monitor, or care for someone or something.
- To stand by / to sit by: To be constantly present and ready in a specific location, prepared to act or assist immediately when needed.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Y tá túc trực bên giường bệnh 24 giờ. (The nurse kept watch by the patient's bedside for 24 hours.)
- Lính cứu hỏa túc trực tại trạm suốt đêm. (The firefighters stood by at the station all night.)
- Anh ấy túc trực ở sân bay để đón khách. (He stood by at the airport to greet guests.)
Advanced Usage
- The word implies a sense of duty, readiness, and continuous, attentive presence. It is often used in contexts of professional care (medical, security) or during important, sensitive events.
- (The technical team is on standby to handle incidents.)
Variants and Related Words
- Trực (verb): To be on duty, to take one's turn on watch. While similar, "trực" often implies a scheduled shift, whereas "túc trực" emphasizes constant, ready presence.
- Bác sĩ trực đêm. (The doctor is on night duty.)
Synonyms
- To be on standby: To be ready for immediate action.
- To be on vigil: To keep watch, especially during the night or during a period of observation.
- To be in attendance: To be present and available.
Related Idioms
- While "túc trực" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, its meaning is central to phrases describing unwavering vigilance.
- : To keep watch day and night.
- Cảnh sát túc trực ngày đêm tại hiện trường. (The police kept watch day and night at the scene.)
verb
-
to keep watch to stand by, to sit by
