Definition

1. Verb:
   • To exchange: To give something in return for something else, often implying a deliberate trade or substitution.
   • To trade off: To accept a disadvantage or loss in one area to gain an advantage in another, emphasizing a sacrifice.
   • To swap: To give something and receive something else of a similar type in return.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy sẵn sàng đánh đổi sự giàu có để lấy hạnh phúc. (She is willing to exchange wealth for happiness.)
  • Đánh đổi thời gian rảnh để làm thêm giờ là một quyết định khó khăn. (Trading off free time to work overtime is a difficult decision.)
  • Hai đứa trẻ đánh đổi đồ chơi cho nhau. (The two children swapped toys with each other.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a connotation of a calculated or necessary sacrifice, especially when discussing abstract concepts like time, freedom, or values.
  • Trong chính trị, đôi khi phải đánh đổi giữa các nguyên tắc. (In politics, one sometimes has to make trade-offs between principles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trao đổi (v): To exchange, to interchange. This is a more general and neutral term for exchange, often used for ideas or goods without a strong connotation of sacrifice.
  • Chúng tôi trao đổi email thường xuyên. (We exchange emails frequently.)

Synonyms

• Exchange: To give something and receive something else.
• Trade off: To balance two opposing situations or qualities.
• Barter: To exchange goods or services for other goods or services.
• Swap: To give something and receive something else in return.

Related Idioms

• Đánh đổi mạng sống: To trade one's life; to sacrifice one's life.
  • Người lính đó đánh đổi mạng sống để cứu đồng đội. (That soldier traded his life to save his comrades.)

verb

1. to exchange; to barter; to swap