trước mắt
Definition
Adjective:
- Immediate / Present / Current: Refers to something that is happening now, is of current concern, or requires prompt attention. It describes a situation, task, or issue that is directly at hand.
- Apparent / Visible: Describes something that is right in front of one's eyes, literally or figuratively, and is therefore obvious or undeniable.
Adverbial phrase:
- Before one's eyes / In front of one's eyes: Indicates a physical location directly in the line of sight.
- For the time being / At the moment: Refers to the present period as opposed to the distant future.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Chúng ta cần giải quyết vấn đề trước mắt. (We need to solve the immediate problem.)
- Sự thật đang ở trước mắt mọi người. (The truth is apparent to everyone.)
Adverbial phrase:
- Anh ấy đứng ngay trước mắt tôi. (He was standing right before my eyes.)
- Trước mắt, hãy tập trung vào việc học. (For the time being, focus on your studies.)
Advanced Usage
- Used to contrast immediate concerns with long-term plans.
- Kế hoạch trước mắt là ổn định tài chính, kế hoạch lâu dài là mua nhà. (The immediate plan is to stabilize finances; the long-term plan is to buy a house.)
Variants and Related Words
- Trước tiên (adv): First of all, firstly. (Focuses on sequence, not immediacy.)
- Hiện tại (n): The present, current time. (A noun for the current period.)
- Cận cảnh (n): Close-up view. (Used in visual contexts like photography.)
Synonyms
- Immediate: Requiring instant attention.
- Present: Existing or occurring now.
- Apparent: Clearly visible or understood.
Related Idioms
- Nhìn trước mắt: To be short-sighted, to only consider immediate benefits.
- Không nên chỉ nhìn trước mắt mà phải nghĩ đến tương lai. (You shouldn't be short-sighted; you must think of the future.)