theo trai
Definition
- Verb phrase (idiomatic):
- To run off with a lover; to elope with a man: The primary meaning describes a woman leaving her family home or her husband to go away with a male lover. It implies a secretive or sudden departure for a romantic relationship, often against social or familial expectations.
- To chase after men; to be boy-crazy: In a more modern and informal context, it can describe a woman who is actively and persistently seeking male attention or romantic relationships.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Cô gái bỏ nhà đi theo trai. (The girl left home to run off with her lover.)
- Câu chuyện về người phụ nữ theo trai bỏ chồng đã gây xôn xao. (The story of the woman who left her husband for another man caused a stir.)
- Cô ấy chỉ thích đi chơi và theo trai. (She just likes to go out and chase after boys.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase carries a strong social and moral judgment, often implying scandal, disobedience, or a lack of virtue in traditional contexts.
- It is typically used from an external, often disapproving, perspective (e.g., by parents, community members, or a jilted spouse) rather than by the woman herself.
Variants and Related Words
Theo đuổi (v): to pursue, to chase (a goal, a person romantically). This is a more general and neutral term.
- Cô ấy theo đuổi sự nghiệp âm nhạc. (She pursues a music career.)
Bỏ trốn theo trai (v phrase): to elope with a man. This emphasizes the secretive "running away" aspect.
Synonyms
- Elope (with a man): to run away secretly to get married.
- Run off with a lover: to leave suddenly with a romantic partner.
- Chase men: to actively seek male romantic partners (for the informal sense).
Related Idioms
- Theo gái (v phrase): the male equivalent, meaning to chase after women or to be girl-crazy.
- Hắn ta suốt ngày chỉ biết theo gái. (All he does all day is chase after women.)