trò đời

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The ways of the world / Life's little games: Refers to the often cynical, ironic, or disappointing behaviors and situations commonly encountered in human society and interpersonal relationships. It implies a recognition of common human foibles, hypocrisy, or the unpredictable and sometimes cruel nature of life.
    • The human comedy: A perspective that views the quirks, vices, and follies of human life as a form of theatrical performance or satire.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Anh ta vừa bị bạn thân lừa, đúng là trò đời. (He was just betrayed by his close friend; such are the ways of the world.)
    • Giàu thì họ đến, khó thì họ đi, trò đời là vậy. (When you're rich they come, when you're in trouble they leave; that's life's little game.)
    • Cô ấy cười nhạt trước những trò đời đen bạc. (She gave a faint smile at the dark comedies of human life.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used with a sigh, a shrug, or a knowing smile, expressing resignation, disillusionment, or worldly-wise acceptance rather than shock. It frequently appears in philosophical or cynical commentary about social events.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mưu đồ (n): scheme, plot. (Focuses on a specific plan rather than a general phenomenon.)
  • Thói đời (n): worldly habits; common (often bad) customs of society. (Very close in meaning, often used interchangeably with .)
Synonyms
  • The ways of the world
  • Life's ironies
  • Human comedy
  • Worldly affairs
Related Idioms
  • Đời là thế: That's life. (A similar expression of resignation.)
  • Biết rồi, khổ lắm, nói mãi: A common Vietnamese phrase expressing fed-up familiarity with a recurring negative situation, often related to .