thì ra
Definition
- Adverbial phrase:
- It turns out that / So it turns out: Used to express a realization or discovery of the true nature of a situation, often one that was previously unknown, misunderstood, or surprising. It introduces an explanation or reveals a fact.
Usage Examples
- Adverbial phrase:
- Thì ra anh là bác sĩ. (It turns out you are a doctor.)
- Thì ra chìa khóa nằm trong túi của tôi. (So it turns out the key was in my pocket all along.)
- Lâu không gặp, tưởng cô ấy đi du học, thì ra cô ấy bị ốm. (I hadn't seen her for a long time and thought she was studying abroad; it turns out she was sick.)
Advanced Usage
- Used at the beginning of a clause to mark a shift from assumption to revealed truth. It often follows a preceding context of uncertainty or curiosity.
- Tôi cứ thắc mắc tại sao nó im lặng. Thì ra nó đang ngủ. (I kept wondering why it was so quiet. It turns out it was sleeping.)
Variants and Related Words
Hóa ra (adverbial phrase): It turns out that. A very close synonym, often interchangeable with "thì ra."
- Hóa ra cô ấy đã biết tin đó từ lâu. (It turns out she had known that news for a long time.)
Thảo nào (adverbial phrase): No wonder. Used to express that something now makes sense in light of a new discovery.
- Thì ra trời mưa. Thảo nào đường ướt. (It turns out it rained. No wonder the road is wet.)
Synonyms
- It turns out: The most direct equivalent.
- So that's why: Used when the discovery explains a prior circumstance.
- As it turns out: A more formal variant.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Thì ra là thế / Thì ra vậy: An exclamation meaning "So that's how it is!" or "I see!" used upon understanding.
- À, thì ra là thế! Bây giờ tôi hiểu rồi. (Ah, so that's how it is! Now I understand.)