trừa

Definition

1. Dialectal Adverb:
   • Approximately / about / nearly: Used in some Vietnamese dialects to indicate an approximate amount, time, or degree, similar to "chừa," "khoảng," or "độ."
   • As if / like: Can be used to draw a comparison, meaning "like" or "as if."

Usage Examples

• Dialectal Adverb:
  • Anh ấy cao trừa mét tám. (He is about one meter eighty tall.)
  • Trời tối trừa như mực. (It's dark as if it were ink.)
  • Tôi đợi trừa một giờ. (I waited for about an hour.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "trừa" is primarily used in regional speech and may not be widely understood in all areas of Vietnam. Its usage is often interchangeable with the more common word "chừa."

Variants and Related Words

• Chừa (adv): about, approximately. This is the more standard or widely recognized form of "trừa."
  • Họ đến chừa ba giờ chiều. (They arrived at about 3 p.m.)

Synonyms

• Khoảng: about, approximately.
• Độ: about, roughly.
• Tầm: around, about.

Notes on Usage

• "Trừa" is considered a dialectal variant. For clear communication, especially with learners or in formal contexts, it is recommended to use the more common synonyms like "khoảng," "chừa," or "độ."