Definition

1. Verb:
   • To measure out (by volume): The primary meaning of "đong" is to determine the quantity of a dry, granular substance (like rice, corn, or grain) or a liquid using a standardized container such as a liter, bushel, or bowl.
   • To buy (staple grains): In common usage, "đong" specifically means to purchase staple foods like rice or corn by volume measurement, often from a market or store.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mẹ tôi đong một lít gạo. (My mother measured out one liter of rice.)
  • Ngày trước, người ta thường đong gạo bằng đấu. (In the past, people often measured rice using a "đấu" [a traditional unit].)
  • Anh ấy ra chợ đong năm cân ngô. (He went to the market to buy five kilograms of corn.)

Advanced Usage

• "đong đưa": to swing gently, to sway (often used for hanging objects or movement).
  • Chiếc võng đong đưa trong gió. (The hammock sways in the wind.)
  • Note: This is a distinct compound word where "đong" combines with "đưa" to create a new meaning related to motion, not measurement.

Variants and Related Words

• Đong đếm (v): to measure and calculate meticulously; to be calculating (often figuratively).

  • Cô ấy hay đong đếm từng chút một. (She tends to calculate every little thing.)

• Cân đong đo đếm: A phrase meaning to weigh, measure, and count; to be very precise and meticulous.

Synonyms

• Measure (out): To determine the quantity or capacity.
• Lường (v): A close synonym, also meaning to measure volume, but can imply estimation.
• Mua (v): To buy. "Đong" is a specific type of buying related to grains.

Related Idioms

• Đong đầy: To measure to the brim; to fill a container completely. Often used to describe generosity or fullness.

  • Bà con hàng xóm giúp đỡ nhau đong đầy tình nghĩa. (Neighbors help each other, filled with kindness.)

• Lường thưng tráo đấu / Lường đấu tráo thưng: An idiom meaning to cheat or swindle in measurement (using a smaller "thưng" to measure and a larger "đấu" to receive). It signifies deceit in business.

  • Kinh doanh phải thật thà, không được lường thưng tráo đấu. (In business, one must be honest and not cheat in measurements.)

verb

1. to measure out (corn; etc.); to buy (rice)