Definition

1. 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.)