theo gương
Definition
- Verb:
- To follow the example of: To emulate someone's good behavior, actions, or moral qualities; to use someone as a model to imitate.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Chúng ta nên theo gương những người tốt. (We should follow the example of good people.)
- Cô ấy luôn theo gương mẹ mình trong cách đối xử với mọi người. (She always follows her mother's example in how she treats people.)
- Học sinh được khuyến khích theo gương các anh hùng dân tộc. (Students are encouraged to follow the example of national heroes.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase "theo gương" carries a positive connotation, almost exclusively used to describe emulating praiseworthy or virtuous models. It is not typically used for mimicking neutral or negative behavior.
Variants and Related Words
- Noi gương (v): A near-synonym meaning "to emulate" or "to follow the example of." It is often used interchangeably with "theo gương."
- Anh ấy noi gương cha để trở thành một bác sĩ. (He emulates his father to become a doctor.)
Synonyms
- Emulate: To match or surpass a person, typically by imitation.
- Imitate: To take as a model.
- Follow suit: To do the same thing as someone else.
Related Idioms
- While "theo gương" itself is a set phrase, it is conceptually related to the idiom:
- Gương sáng: Literally "bright mirror," meaning a shining example or a role model.
- Thầy giáo là một tấm gương sáng cho học trò. (The teacher is a shining example for his students.)
verb
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to follow the example of
