trở mình
Definition
- Verb:
- To turn over (in bed): The primary meaning of "trở mình" is to physically turn one's body to the other side while lying down, especially during sleep or rest.
- To transform / to change oneself: In a figurative sense, "trở mình" describes a significant and positive transformation or revitalization of a person, organization, or place.
Usage Examples
Verb (literal):
- Đứa bé trở mình liên tục trong đêm. (The baby turned over constantly during the night.)
- Ông ấy đau lưng nên khó trở mình. (His back hurts, so it's difficult for him to turn over.)
Verb (figurative):
- Sau cải cách, công ty đã trở mình hoàn toàn. (After the reforms, the company completely transformed itself.)
- Làng quê trở mình trở thành một điểm du lịch. (The rural village transformed itself into a tourist destination.)
Advanced Usage
- The figurative use often implies a struggle or effort leading to a new, improved state. It is commonly used in journalism and formal writing to describe economic, social, or personal renewal.
Variants and Related Words
- Trở giấc (v): to stir in one's sleep, to wake up briefly and then go back to sleep.
- Tiếng ồn khiến anh ấy trở giấc. (The noise made him stir in his sleep.)
Synonyms
- Turn over: to move into a different position while lying down.
- Transform: to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character.
Related Idioms
- Trở mình không nổi: To be so tired, weak, or ill that one cannot even turn over in bed.
- Bệnh nặng, ông cụ trở mình không nổi. (He is seriously ill; the old man cannot even turn over in bed.)