đứng lại
Definition
Verb (Imperative/Command):
- To halt / to stop: A direct command instructing someone or a group to cease moving and remain standing in their current location. It is often used in military, safety, or instructional contexts.
- To stand still: An instruction to stop all motion and maintain a standing position.
Verb (Phrasal Verb):
- To stop and stand: The action of ceasing forward movement and remaining on one's feet. It describes the transition from moving (walking, running) to a stationary standing position.
Usage Examples
Verb (Command):
- "Đứng lại!" cảnh sát hét lên. ("Stop!" the police officer shouted.)
- Giáo viên ra lệnh: "Các em, đứng lại ngay!". (The teacher commanded: "Everyone, stop right there!")
Verb (Phrasal Verb):
- Nghe thấy tiếng gọi, cô ấy đứng lại và quay đầu nhìn. (Hearing the call, she stopped and turned to look.)
- Đoàn diễu hành đứng lại trước lăng. (The procession stopped and stood in front of the mausoleum.)
Advanced Usage
- Used in formal or urgent commands to gain immediate control of a situation, implying authority from the speaker.
- Can imply a temporary pause, not necessarily a permanent end to movement.
Variants and Related Words
Dừng lại (v): To stop, to halt. A more general term for stopping any action or movement, not exclusively for standing.
- Xe buýt dừng lại ở bến. (The bus stops at the station.)
Đứng im (v): To stand still, to remain motionless while standing.
- Đứng im tại chỗ! (Stand still right there!)
Synonyms
- Halt: To bring or come to an abrupt stop.
- Stop: To cease movement or action.
- Stand still: To remain stationary in an upright position.
Related Idioms
- Đứng lại phía sau: To be left behind (figuratively).
- Nếu không cố gắng, anh sẽ đứng lại phía sau. (If you don't try, you will be left behind.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Đứng lại functions as a phrasal verb where "đứng" (to stand) combines with "lại" (back, again, indicating a return to a state or cessation) to create the specific meaning of "to stop and stand."