Definition

1. Verb:

   • To apply (a substance) gently onto a surface, especially skin: To spread or rub a cream, ointment, powder, or similar substance lightly onto a surface, typically for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.
   • To rub or massage gently: To move one's hand or fingers over a surface with light pressure, often to relieve pain or apply a substance.

2. Noun:

   • Hairpin, hair brooch: A decorative pin or clasp used to fasten or adorn a woman's hair, especially in traditional or historical contexts.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Cô ấy thoa kem chống nắng lên mặt mỗi sáng. (She applies sunscreen to her face every morning.)
  • Bác sĩ bảo tôi thoa thuốc vào chỗ bầm hai lần một ngày. (The doctor told me to apply the ointment to the bruise twice a day.)
  • Mẹ nhẹ nhàng thoa dầu gió lên trán tôi khi tôi bị đau đầu. (My mother gently rubbed medicated oil on my forehead when I had a headache.)

• Noun:

  • Trong bảo tàng có trưng bày những chiếc thoa bằng vàng của các cung tần thời xưa. (The museum displays gold hairpins worn by imperial concubines in ancient times.)
  • Mái tóc bà được cố định bằng một chiếc thoa ngọc trai. (Her hair was held in place by a pearl hairpin.)

Advanced Usage

• "thoa dịu": to soothe by applying or rubbing gently.

  • Hãy thoa dịu vết thương bằng loại kem này. (Please soothe the wound by applying this cream.)

• "thoa phấn": to apply powder (to the face).

  • Trước khi biểu diễn, các diễn viên phải thoa phấn. (Before performing, the actors must apply powder.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xoa: A near-synonymous verb meaning to rub or massage, often used interchangeably with "thoa" in the context of rubbing for relief. "Thoa" more strongly implies the concurrent application of a substance.
• Bôi: A verb meaning to smear or daub. It often implies a thicker or less careful application than "thoa."
• Chà: A verb meaning to scrub or rub vigorously, with more force than "thoa."

Synonyms

• Apply (verb): To put a substance onto a surface.
• Rub (verb): To move one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface.
• Hairpin (noun): A pin for holding the hair in place.

Related Phrases (Collocations)

• Thoa kem / thuốc / dầu: To apply cream / medicine / oil.
• Thoa nhẹ: To apply gently.
• Thoa đều: To apply evenly.
• Thoa lên mặt / tay: To apply to the face / hands.

Related Idioms

• "Thoa son đánh phấn": Literally "to apply lipstick and powder," meaning to put on makeup or to beautify oneself. It can be used figuratively to describe making superficial improvements.
  • Cô ấy dành nửa tiếng để thoa son đánh phấn trước khi đi dự tiệc. (She spent half an hour putting on makeup before going to the party.)

noun

1. hair-brooch

verb

1. to massage to apply to, to rub, to put on (to) wear