phát tài

phát tài means “to become rich” or “to strike it rich,” often with the feeling of a big gain, strong profit, or lucky financial turn. It is used for a person, family, or business that gains substantial wealth—not simply for someone who is already rich. One useful nuance is that phát tài is an intransitive verb, so the focus is on the subject becoming wealthy. You’ll also see it in New Year wishes like phát tài phát lộc, and it contrasts with words like làm giàu, giàu có, and trúng số. Watch the full lesson to learn how to use it naturally.