yếu thế
Definition
- Adjective:
- To be in a weak or disadvantaged position: Describes a person, group, or entity that lacks strength, power, influence, or favorable conditions compared to others in a competitive context, such as in business, politics, sports, or conflict.
- To be at a disadvantage: Indicates a situation where one side has fewer resources, less power, or less favorable circumstances than an opponent.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Đội bóng đó bị yếu thế hơn về thể lực. (That football team is at a physical disadvantage.)
- Công ty nhỏ thường yếu thế khi cạnh tranh với các tập đoàn lớn. (Small companies are often in a weak position when competing with large corporations.)
- Họ cảm thấy mình yếu thế trong cuộc đàm phán. (They felt they were in a disadvantaged position during the negotiation.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is often used in analytical or strategic contexts to assess positions of power, competitive landscapes, or social dynamics.
- It can describe a temporary situational disadvantage or a more inherent, structural weakness.
Variants and Related Words
Thế yếu (n): Literally "weak position," often used interchangeably with "yếu thế" as a noun phrase.
- Họ đang ở thế yếu. (They are in a weak position.)
Lợi thế (n): The opposite concept, meaning "advantage" or "strong position."
- Chúng ta cần tận dụng lợi thế này. (We need to leverage this advantage.)
Synonyms
- Disadvantaged: Being in an unfavorable circumstance.
- Weaker: Having less power or strength.
- Vulnerable: Open to being challenged or harmed due to a lack of power.
Related Idioms and Phrases
Chấp nhận yếu thế: To accept being at a disadvantage.
- Chúng ta buộc phải chấp nhận yếu thế trước đối thủ mạnh hơn. (We are forced to accept our disadvantage against a stronger opponent.)
Làm cho ai đó yếu thế: To put someone at a disadvantage.
- Chiến thuật đó nhằm làm cho đối phương yếu thế. (That tactic aims to put the opponent at a disadvantage.)