Definition

1. Numeral/Classifier:

   • A pair; a couple: A unit consisting of two items or two individuals of the same kind, typically corresponding or matching, such as a pair of shoes or a couple in a relationship.
   • Two (in a non-counting sense): Used to indicate the number two in a general or abstract sense, often in fixed expressions, not for sequential counting.

2. Adverb:

   • Double; twofold: Indicating an amount that is twice as much or a state that is doubled.

3. Adjective (in certain contexts):

   • A few; some; several: Used to indicate a small, indefinite number, more than one but not many.

Usage Examples

• Numeral/Classifier:

  • Tôi mua một đôi giày mới. (I bought a new pair of shoes.)
  • Đôi bạn thân ấy luôn giúp đỡ nhau. (That close pair of friends always help each other.)
  • Hãy đi hàng đôi. (Please walk in pairs.)

• Adverb:

  • Sản lượng tăng gấp đôi. (The output increased twofold.)

• Adjective (indicating a few):

  • Tôi muốn nói đôi lời. (I would like to say a few words.)
  • Đôi khi tôi đến thăm ông bà. (Sometimes I visit my grandparents.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đôi co": to argue back and forth, to dispute.

  • Hai bên đôi co mãi không xong. (The two sides argued endlessly without resolution.)

• "Đôi mươi": (literally: a score of twenty) referring to the age of twenty or youth.

  • Tuổi đôi mươi tràn đầy năng lượng. (The age of twenty is full of energy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đôi lứa (n): a couple (specifically romantic or marital).

  • Đôi lứa yêu nhau. (The couple is in love.)

• Đôi bạn (n): a pair of friends.

  • Họ là đôi bạn cùng tiến. (They are a pair of friends who progress together.)

Synonyms

• Pair: two corresponding items.
• Couple: two persons associated together.
• Twofold: double the amount.
• A few: a small number.

Related Idioms

• Như đôi đũa lệch: (like a mismatched pair of chopsticks) describing an unequal or incompatible match, often in marriage.

  • Họ kết hôn như đôi đũa lệch. (Their marriage is like a mismatched pair of chopsticks.)

• Đôi bên: both sides; the two parties involved.

  • Đôi bên đã đạt được thỏa thuận. (The two sides have reached an agreement.)

adv

1. pair; two; double
   • gấp làm đôi
     Twofold