Definition

1. Prepositional phrase:
   • Within (a time limit): Used to indicate a period of time that does not exceed a specified limit. It emphasizes completion or an event happening inside that temporal boundary.
   • Within (a spatial or abstract boundary): Used to indicate being inside the limits or scope of a defined area, circle, or range (e.g., a sum of money, a social circle, a state or condition).

Usage Examples

• Within (time):

  • Công việc phải hoàn thành trong vòng một tuần. (The work must be completed within one week.)
  • Tôi sẽ trả lời bạn trong vòng 24 giờ. (I will reply to you within 24 hours.)

• Within (boundary/scope):

  • Chi phí cần được giữ trong vòng 5 triệu đồng. (The cost needs to be kept within 5 million dong.)
  • Anh ấy sống trong vòng kìm kẹp của sự sợ hãi. (He lived within the grip of fear.)

Advanced Usage

• "trong vòng + [number] + [time unit]": This is the most common and fixed structure for expressing a deadline or time frame.

  • Trong vòng ba ngày tới, thời tiết sẽ cải thiện. (Within the next three days, the weather will improve.)

• "trong vòng + [abstract noun]": Describes existing inside a certain state, system, or sphere of influence.

  • Mọi thảo luận phải nằm trong vòng bí mật. (All discussions must remain within the bounds of secrecy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trong (prep): in, inside, within. A more general term for location.

  • Sách nằm trong ngăn kéo. (The book is in the drawer.)

• Vòng (n): circle, round, circumference. The noun from which the phrase derives its boundary meaning.

  • Các vận động viên chạy một vòng quanh sân. (The athletes run one lap around the field.)

Synonyms

• Within: Inside the limits of (time, range, or area).
• Inside: Within the inner part or scope of something (less common for time limits).
• In the space of: Used primarily for time (e.g., in the space of an hour).

Related Idioms

• Trong vòng tay: Literally "within the arms," meaning in the embrace or care of someone.

  • Đứa trẻ ngủ yên trong vòng tay mẹ. (The child slept peacefully in the arms of its mother.)

• Trong vòng kiểm soát: Under control, within the bounds of control.

  • Mọi việc đã được đặt trong vòng kiểm soát. (Everything has been placed under control.)

adv

1. within