tợ
Definition
- Adverb (dialectal, literary):
- Like, similar to, resembling: Used to compare one thing to another, indicating a high degree of similarity or likeness. It is a dialectal and somewhat literary variant of the more common word "tựa".
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Đẹp tợ bông hoa. (Beautiful like a flower.)
- Mặt nước phẳng lặng tợ gương. (The water's surface was calm, resembling a mirror.)
Advanced Usage
- This word is primarily found in older literary works, poetry, or specific regional dialects. In modern standard Vietnamese, "tựa", "giống như", or "như" are more commonly used.
Variants and Related Words
- Tựa (preposition/verb): to lean on; like, similar to. This is the standard form.
- Tựa lưng vào tường. (To lean one's back against the wall.)
- Giọng nói tựa giọng mẹ. (A voice similar to mother's.)
Synonyms
- Like: having the same characteristics or qualities.
- Resembling: similar to in appearance or nature.
- As if: in a way that suggests something.
Notes on Usage
- The word "tợ" is marked as dialectal (đph) and is not used in everyday modern conversation. Learners should recognize it but generally use "như", "giống như", or "tựa" for clarity.