Definition

1. Verb:
   • To hand (something directly to someone): The primary meaning of "trao tay" is to physically give an object to another person by placing it directly into their hand, emphasizing a personal, direct transfer.
   • To deliver in person: It implies the action of handing over something personally, ensuring it reaches the intended recipient's hand, often with a sense of care, ceremony, or certainty.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy trao tay tôi một món quà. (She handed me a gift.)
  • Người đưa thư phải trao tay bức thư này cho giám đốc. (The courier must hand-deliver this letter to the director.)
  • Anh ấy trao tay chìa khóa cho chủ nhà mới. (He handed the keys to the new homeowner.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase inherently focuses on the method of transfer (hand-to-hand) and the agent performing the action. It is often used in contexts requiring security, formality, or personal touch, distinguishing it from simply leaving an item somewhere.

Variants and Related Words

• Trao (v): to give, to confer, to hand over. A more general term where "trao tay" specifies the manner.

  • Họ sẽ trao giải thưởng vào tối nay. (They will confer the award tonight.)

• Đưa tận tay (v): to deliver right into someone's hand. A near-identical synonym to "trao tay."

  • Tôi cần bạn đưa tận tay tài liệu này cho cô ấy. (I need you to deliver these documents right into her hand.)

Synonyms

• To hand over: To give something to someone, often with a sense of formality or completion.
• To hand-deliver: To deliver something personally, ensuring direct receipt.
• To pass (by hand): To give something using one's hands.

Related Idioms

• While "trao tay" itself is a specific phrase, it is conceptually related to idioms about trust and direct exchange.
• Trao mặt gửi vàng: (Literally: to exchange faces, to entrust gold) An idiom describing a relationship of absolute trust, often formed or confirmed through significant personal exchanges. The act of "trao tay" can be part of such a trusted transaction.
  • Họ là bạn tri kỷ, có thể trao mặt gửi vàng cho nhau. (They are close friends who can entrust each other with anything.)

verb

1. to hand