để mà
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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).
- In order to, in order that, so that, so as to
- Ăn để mà sốngTo eat in order to go on living, to eat in order to live