xích lại
Definition
- Verb:
- To move closer / to draw near: The primary meaning of "xích lại" is to reduce the physical distance between objects or people, implying a deliberate or gradual movement towards each other or a common point.
- To become closer (figurative): It can describe the process of people becoming emotionally or socially closer, improving a relationship.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hai chiếc ghế được xích lại gần nhau. (The two chairs were moved closer together.)
- Cô ấy xích lại gần để nghe rõ hơn. (She moved closer to hear better.)
- Nhờ những cuộc trò chuyện, chúng tôi dần xích lại. (Thanks to the conversations, we gradually became closer.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often appears with adverbs like "gần" (close) or "gần nhau" (close to each other) for emphasis, though "xích lại" itself already implies moving closer.
- Hai bên đàm phán đã xích lại gần nhau về nhiều điểm. (The two negotiating sides have moved closer on many points.)
Variants and Related Words
- Xích (v): to chain, to link. This is the root verb, but in "xích lại," it loses the literal "chain" meaning and focuses on the idea of linking or closing a gap.
- Lại gần (v): to come near, to approach. A common synonym phrase.
Synonyms
- Approach: to come near or nearer to.
- Draw closer/nearer: to move towards something or someone.
- Close the gap: to reduce a distance or difference.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Xích lại gần nhau: to draw closer to each other. This is the most frequent and complete form of the phrase.
- Mâu thuẫn khiến họ xa cách, nhưng giờ họ đang cố gắng xích lại gần nhau. (The conflict drove them apart, but now they are trying to draw closer to each other.)