đua tài
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To compete in talent/skill: To engage in a contest or rivalry where the primary measure is one's ability, skill, or intellectual prowess. It emphasizes a competition of competence rather than speed or physical strength alone.
- To vie for supremacy in ability: To strive to outdo others by demonstrating superior talent, expertise, or cleverness in a particular field.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Hai nghệ sĩ trẻ đua tài trên sân khấu. (The two young artists competed in talent on stage.)
- Cuộc thi này là cơ hội để các lập trình viên đua tài. (This contest is an opportunity for programmers to vie in skill.)
- Họ không đua sức mà đua tài. (They are not competing in strength but in wit/skill.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies a respectful or formal competition focused on merit and ability, common in academic, artistic, or professional contexts.
- It can describe both direct contests (e.g., a debate, a cooking competition) and indirect rivalries (e.g., two companies innovating).
Variants and Related Words
- Thi tài (verb phrase): to test/compere skills; has a very similar meaning but can sometimes imply a more structured test or examination.
- Họ tham gia hội thi tài năng. (They joined the talent competition.)
- Cạnh tranh (verb): to compete; a broader, more general term for competition, often used in business and economics.
- Tranh tài (verb phrase): to contend in skill; a close synonym to "đua tài."
Synonyms
- To compete in skill
- To vie in ability
- To match wits
Related Idioms
- Đua tài, đua trí: To compete in both talent and intellect; emphasizes a comprehensive rivalry of mind and skill.
- Cuộc đối đầu giữa hai nhà vô địch là một màn đua tài, đua trí. (The showdown between the two champions was a competition of skill and intellect.)