thị oai
Definition
- Verb:
- To display power; to demonstrate authority: The primary meaning of "thị oai" is to openly show one's strength, power, or authority, often in a deliberate and intimidating manner to impress or subdue others. It is a classical or literary term.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Vị tướng thị oai trước ba quân. (The general displayed his might before the army.)
- Hắn thích thị oai với cấp dưới. (He likes to flaunt his authority over his subordinates.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thị oai" is considered somewhat archaic or literary in modern Vietnamese. In contemporary usage, the more common variant "thị uy" is preferred with the same core meaning.
Variants and Related Words
- Thị uy (v): to demonstrate power/authority; to intimidate by showing strength. This is the direct and more frequently used synonym.
- Hành động đó chỉ nhằm mục đích thị uy. (That action was only for the purpose of demonstrating power.)
Synonyms
- To intimidate: to frighten or overawe someone, especially to make them do what one wants.
- To flaunt power: to display power or influence ostentatiously.
- To demonstrate authority: to show one's official power or control.
Related Idioms
- While "thị oai" itself is not commonly found in modern idioms, the concept is central to phrases about wielding power.
- Ra oai: to act in an authoritative or bullying manner (more colloquial).
- Anh ta không biết gì nhưng vẫn thích ra oai. (He doesn't know anything but still likes to throw his weight around.)