vói
Definition
- 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.)