Definition

1. Verb:
   • To push down: The act of applying force to someone or something, causing them to fall over or to the ground. This action implies a deliberate or forceful shove that results in the loss of balance or stability of the object or person being pushed.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ lớn đã đẩy ngã bạn nhỏ hơn. (The older child pushed down the younger one.)
  • Cơn gió mạnh đẩy ngã cái cây. (The strong wind pushed down the tree.)
  • Xin đừng đẩy ngã những chồng sách đó. (Please don't push down those stacks of books.)

Advanced Usage

• "đẩy ngã" in a metaphorical sense: Can be used to describe causing the failure or downfall of a system, plan, or person.
  • Những vụ bê bối đã đẩy ngã chính phủ. (The scandals pushed down the government.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đẩy (verb): To push. The core action without the specific result of falling.
  • Cô ấy đẩy cửa ra. (She pushes the door open.)
• Ngã (verb): To fall. The result of being pushed, tripping, or losing balance.
  • Anh ấy trượt chân và ngã. (He slipped and fell.)

Synonyms

• Hất ngã / xô ngã: To knock down/to shove down. These are very close synonyms, often interchangeable with "đẩy ngã," though "hất" can imply a more upward or flipping motion, and "xô" can imply a rougher, more chaotic shove.
  • Nó bị hất ngã từ trên xe đạp. (He was knocked down from his bicycle.)

Related Phrases

• Đẩy cho ngã: To push (someone) so that they fall. A more descriptive phrase with the same meaning.
  • Nó cố tình đẩy cho tôi ngã. (He intentionally pushed me so I would fall.)

Notes on Usage

• Direct Object: The verb "đẩy ngã" typically requires a direct object (the person or thing being pushed down).
• Intent vs. Accident: While it often implies deliberate action, it can also be used for accidental causes (like the wind example).
• Formality: It is a standard, neutral verb used in both everyday and formal contexts when describing the action of causing a fall.

verb

1. to push down