trở nghề

Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To become a professional / to turn professional: The phrase "trở nghề" describes the process or action of transitioning from an amateur or non-professional status to becoming a recognized professional in a specific trade, craft, or field, particularly in the context of martial arts or performance arts.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Sau mười năm luyện tập, anh ấy quyết định trở nghề võ sĩ. (After ten years of training, he decided to turn professional as a martial artist.)
  • Cô ấy đang có kế hoạch trở nghề ca sĩ. (She is planning to become a professional singer.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used with a specific profession mentioned directly after it (e.g., "trở nghề võ sĩ", "trở nghề diễn viên"). It implies a formal or serious commitment to the profession.

Variants and Related Words

• Hành nghề (v): to practice a profession.

  • Ông ấy đã hành nghề bác sĩ được hai mươi năm. (He has practiced as a doctor for twenty years.)

• Theo nghề (v): to follow/take up a trade or profession.

  • Anh trai tôi theo nghề sửa ống nước. (My older brother took up plumbing as a profession.)

Synonyms

• To go pro: (informal) to become a professional.
• To turn professional: to start working as a professional in a field.

Notes on Usage

• "Trở nghề" is not a common standalone word in modern general Vietnamese. Its core meaning is derived from the verb "trở" (to turn, to become) combined with "nghề" (profession, trade). It is primarily encountered in specific contexts, such as discussions about martial arts (võ) or traditional performing arts, where the transition from student/amateur to master/professional is formalized.
• It should not be confused with the more common phrase "trở lại nghề" (to return to a profession).