Definition

1. Verb:
   • To reach for; to stretch out one's arm to grasp something: The primary meaning of "vói" is to extend one's arm or body in an attempt to touch, take, or grasp an object that is slightly out of easy reach.
   • To strive to attain something abstract: Figuratively, it can describe making an effort to achieve a goal, status, or understanding that seems just beyond one's immediate grasp.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ vói tay lấy quyển sách trên bàn. (The child reached for the book on the table.)
  • Cô ấy phải vói người ra ngoài cửa sổ. (She had to stretch out of the window.)
  • Anh ấy luôn vói tới những ước mơ xa vời. (He always strives for distant dreams.)

Advanced Usage

• "vói theo": to reach after someone/something moving away; often used when trying to catch up or maintain contact.
  • Bà cụ vói theo đứa cháu đang chạy đi. (The old woman reached after her grandchild who was running away.)

Variants and Related Words

• Với tay (v): This is a very common compound phrase meaning "to reach out one's hand." It is often used interchangeably with "vói" in its literal sense.
  • Nó với tay lấy lọ kẹo. (He reached his hand out to get the candy jar.)

Synonyms

• Reach: to stretch out an arm or body part to touch or grasp.
• Stretch: to extend one's body or limbs.
• Strain: to make a strenuous effort to reach.

Related Idioms

• Vói không tới: Literally "to reach but not attain"; describes something that is desired but unattainable or just out of reach.
  • Danh vọng ấy với anh ta như vói không tới. (That fame is for him like something he cannot quite grasp.)