tranh đoạt
Definition
- Verb:
- To contend for / to vie for: To compete or struggle intensely with others in order to seize or obtain something, typically a right, benefit, or object of desire. It implies a conflict where parties are trying to take something from one another.
- To usurp / to wrest: To seize or take something (like power or a position) by force or through aggressive competition, often from its current holder.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hai anh em tranh đoạt tài sản của cha. (The two brothers contended for their father's estate.)
- Các công ty lớn tranh đoạt thị phần. (The large companies vied for market share.)
- Hắn âm mưu tranh đoạt ngai vàng. (He plotted to usurp the throne.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a selfish, forceful, or morally questionable struggle for possession, rather than healthy competition.
- It is frequently used in contexts of power, inheritance, resources, or advantages.
Variants and Related Words
- Tranh giành (v): To compete for, to scramble for. This is a more common and slightly less aggressive synonym.
- Họ tranh giành một cơ hội duy nhất. (They scrambled for a single opportunity.)
Synonyms
- Contend for: To struggle in opposition or rivalry.
- Vie for: To compete eagerly with someone for something.
- Usurp: To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
- Wrest: To forcibly pull something away from someone's grasp.
Related Idioms
- Tranh đoạt quyền lực: To struggle for power; to engage in a power grab.
- Cuộc tranh đoạt quyền lực trong nội bộ đảng diễn ra ác liệt. (The internal party struggle for power was fierce.)