Definition

1. Verb:
   • To swap fraudulently / to substitute deceitfully: The core meaning of "tráo" is to secretly or dishonestly exchange one thing for another, often with the intent to cheat or deceive. It implies a surreptitious or illicit replacement.
   • To switch / to exchange (with a connotation of trickery): It can describe the act of swapping items in a cunning or dishonest manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tên bịp đã tráo thẻ bài. (The cheat swapped the playing cards.)
  • Không được tráo hàng tốt với hàng xấu. (You must not substitute the good merchandise with the bad.)
  • Hắn tráo gói thuốc để đánh lừa cảnh sát. (He switched the drug package to deceive the police.)

Advanced Usage

• "tráo trở": to be treacherous, to go back on one's word, to be deceitful. This compound emphasizes fickleness and untrustworthiness.
  • Hắn là kẻ tráo trở, không thể tin được. (He is a treacherous person who cannot be trusted.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đánh tráo (v): a common compound meaning to swap fraudulently, to palm off.
  • Kẻ gian đã đánh tráo ví của tôi. (The thief swapped my wallet.)

Synonyms

• To substitute (fraudulently): to replace with intent to deceive.
• To switch (surreptitiously): to exchange secretly.
• To palm off: to pass off by trickery.

Related Idioms

• Tráo mắt: to open one's eyes wide (in surprise or astonishment). This is a figurative, idiomatic use.
  • Cô ấy tráo mắt nhìn vì quá ngạc nhiên. (She stared with wide eyes because she was so surprised.)