Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Somewhat similar / vaguely resembling: Indicates a loose, approximate, or superficial resemblance between things. It suggests a likeness that is not exact or precise.

2. Adjective:

   • Similar-ish / bearing a vague resemblance: Used to describe something that has a general or passing similarity to something else.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • Kiểu nhà đó trông từa tựa kiến trúc Nhật Bản. (That house style looks somewhat similar to Japanese architecture.)
  • Giọng anh ấy nghe từa tựa giọng người miền Trung. (His accent sounds vaguely like that of someone from the central region.)

• Adjective:

  • Đó là một lời giải thích từa tựa, không chính xác lắm. (That is a similar-ish explanation, not very accurate.)
  • Hai mẫu áo có kiểu dáng từa tựa nhau. (The two shirt designs bear a vague resemblance to each other.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to soften a comparison, implying the similarity is not to be taken as a strict equivalence. It often carries a nuance of approximation or "in the ballpark."
  • Câu chuyện của cô ấy chỉ từa tựa sự thật. (Her story only vaguely resembles the truth.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tựa tựa (adv/adj): A less common variant with the same meaning.
• Hơi giống (phrase): Slightly similar. (A more common phrase with a similar meaning.)
• Tựa như (phrase): Similar to, akin to. (Implies a stronger or more metaphorical likeness than "từa tựa".)

Synonyms

• Vaguely similar
• Remotely like
• Bearing a passing resemblance
• Approximately alike

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Từa tựa như: A phrase reinforcing the comparative meaning, meaning "vaguely like" or "sort of like."
  • Con mèo này trông từa tựa như con mèo của hàng xóm. (This cat looks sort of like the neighbor's cat.)