Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • In order to, so that: "để mà" is used to indicate purpose or intention, connecting an action with its goal or desired outcome. It explains why something is done.
   • So as to: It expresses the aim of an action, often with a focus on the process leading to a result.

Usage Instructions

• Position in Sentence: "để mà" typically connects two clauses. The first clause states the action taken, and the second clause (introduced by "để mà") states the purpose of that action.
  • Structure: [Action] + để mà + [Purpose/Goal].
• Formality: It is standard in both spoken and written Vietnamese. It is slightly more formal than using just "để" alone, adding a nuanced emphasis on the intended effort or means.
• Key Function: It highlights the or the to achieve a purpose. The word "mà" adds a connective flow, making the purpose clause feel more integral to the main action.

Usage Examples

• Basic Examples:

  • Tôi học tiếng Anh để mà có thể giao tiếp với bạn bè quốc tế. (I study English so that I can communicate with international friends.)
  • Cô ấy tiết kiệm tiền để mà đi du lịch châu Âu. (She saves money in order to travel to Europe.)
  • Hãy nói chậm lại để mà mọi người đều hiểu. (Please speak slower so that everyone can understand.)

• Example from Reference Context:

  • Ăn để mà sống. (To eat in order to live.) This classic phrase contrasts with "Sống để mà ăn" (To live in order to eat), emphasizing the primary purpose of eating is sustenance.

Advanced Usage

• Emphasizing Effort or Method: "để mà" can subtly emphasize the method or effort involved in achieving the goal, more so than the standalone "để".
  • Anh ấy đã làm việc cật lực để mà hoàn thành dự án đúng hạn. (He worked tirelessly in order to complete the project on time.)
• In Rhetorical or Explanatory Contexts: It is often used to explain or justify an action.
  • Tôi nói ra điều này để mà tránh hiểu lầm sau này. (I'm saying this so as to avoid misunderstandings later.)

Variants and Related Words

• Để (Conjunction): The core word meaning "to, in order to". It is more concise and common. "Để mà" is an extended form.
  • Tôi học để thi đỗ. (I study to pass the exam.)
• Hầu (Conjunction, Literary): A more formal or literary synonym meaning "so that, in order that".
  • ...hầu mang lại lợi ích cho cộng đồng. (...so as to bring benefits to the community.)
• Nhằm (Preposition/Verb): "To aim to". Often used in formal writing or plans.
  • Chương trình này nhằm nâng cao nhận thức. (This program aims to raise awareness.)

Synonyms

• Để: to, in order to (the most direct synonym).
• Hầu cho: so that, in order that (formal/literary).
• Với mục đích là: with the purpose of (more explicit and formal).

Related Phrases (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Để cho: In order for, to let/allows. Used when the purpose involves allowing something else to happen.
  • Mở cửa sổ để cho không khí trong lành vào. (Open the window to let fresh air in.)
• Chỉ để mà...: Just to... (Often used for actions with a simple or sometimes trivial purpose).
  • Anh ấy nói chỉ để mà nói thôi. (He talks just for the sake of talking.)

Related Idioms

• Ăn để mà sống, không phải sống để mà ăn.: To eat in order to live, not live in order to eat. This idiom teaches about priorities and moderation, distinguishing between a necessity (eating for survival) and a potential vice (living only to eat).

1. In order to, in order that, so that, so as to
   • Ăn để mà sống
     To eat in order to go on living, to eat in order to live