Definition

1. Verb:
   • To interrogate / To question closely: To ask questions in a persistent, thorough, and systematic manner in order to uncover details, find leads, or ascertain the truth about a matter, often in a formal or investigative context.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Công an truy hỏi tên ăn cắp. (The police interrogated the thief.)
  • Nhà báo truy hỏi nguyên nhân vụ tai nạn. (The journalist probed into the cause of the accident.)
  • Thẩm phán truy hỏi bị cáo về các chi tiết mâu thuẫn. (The judge questioned the defendant closely about the contradictory details.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a formal, serious, or official context, such as legal, police, journalistic, or administrative inquiries. It suggests a process of digging deeper rather than just asking superficial questions.

Variants and Related Words

• Tra hỏi (v): to interrogate, to examine. Often used interchangeably with "truy hỏi," though "tra hỏi" can sometimes place more emphasis on cross-examination or checking facts.
• Chất vấn (v): to question, to interrogate (often in a political or public accountability context).

Synonyms

• Interrogate: To ask questions formally and systematically.
• Grill: To question intensely and persistently (informal).
• Probe: To investigate or examine thoroughly.
• Cross-examine: To question closely, especially to check previous testimony.

Related Idioms

• : To interrogate to the very end; to get to the bottom of something by persistent questioning.
  • Cơ quan điều tra quyết tâm truy hỏi đến cùng. (The investigative agency is determined to get to the bottom of it.)