Definition

1. Verb:
   • To spread out, to open out, to fan out: "xòe" describes the action of causing something to extend or open outwards from a central point, often into a wider, flatter, or more open shape.
   • To gush out, to spurt: In specific contexts, "xòe" can describe something, like fire or light, bursting or spreading out suddenly.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Chim xòe cánh. (The bird spreads its wings.)
  • Cô ấy xòe bàn tay ra. (She opens her hand out.)
  • Ngọn lửa xòe ra từ que diêm. (The flame gushed out from the matchstick.)

Advanced Usage

• "xòe ra": to spread out, to fan out. This phrasal form emphasizes the outward motion.

  • Chiếc váy xòe ra khi cô ấy xoay người. (The dress flared out when she spun around.)

• Used to describe the unfurling or displaying of something folded or closed.

  • Con công xòe đuôi. (The peacock fans its tail.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xòe xòe (reduplicated verb): Describes a repeated or gentle spreading/fanning motion.

  • Lá cờ xòe xòe trong gió. (The flag fluttered open in the wind.)

• Xòe tay (verb phrase): To spread one's fingers/hand open.

  • Ảo thuật gia xòe tay ra để chứng minh không có gì. (The magician spread his hand open to show there was nothing.)

Synonyms

• Giương ra: to spread out, to unfurl (often for sails, wings).
• Mở ra: to open out.
• Bung ra: to burst open, to pop open.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Xòe ra: As mentioned in Advanced Usage, this is the primary phrasal construction, meaning to spread/open/gush out.
  • Cánh hoa xòe ra khi nắng lên. (The flower petals opened out when the sun rose.)

Related Idioms

• Xòe đũa: Literally "to spread the chopsticks," sometimes used metaphorically to imply a lack of coordination or things going in different directions.

  • Kế hoạch bị xòe đũa, mỗi người làm một nơi. (The plan fell apart, with everyone doing their own thing.)

• Múa xòe: Refers to a specific type of traditional Thai folk dance, as noted in the reference. This is a compound noun where "xòe" is part of the name.

  • Điệu múa xòe của người Thái rất đẹp. (The Xoe dance of the Thai people is very beautiful.) (Note: This is listed here as it is a fixed cultural term, but "múa xòe" is a compound noun, not an idiom using the verb "xòe" alone.)

verb

1. spread, open