bóp bụng

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The Vietnamese phrase "bóp bụng" literally translates to "squeeze the belly" in English. However, its figurative meanings are more commonly used in everyday conversation. Here’s a detailed explanation for you:

Meaning:

1. To Stint Oneself: The primary meaning of "bóp bụng" refers to the act of limiting oneself in various aspects, especially in spending money. When someone is "bóp bụng," they make sacrifices or cut back on expenses to save money.

   • Example: "Tôi đang bóp bụng để dành tiền mua nhà." (I am stinting myself to save money to buy a house.)

2. To Stomach It: It can also mean to endure something unpleasant or to put up with a situation without complaining.

   • Example: "Cô ấy bóp bụng mà chịu, không dám nói gì." (She stomachs it and does not dare to say anything.)

Usage Instructions:

• Use "bóp bụng" when you want to express that someone is saving money or making sacrifices in their lifestyle.
• You can also use it when talking about enduring a difficult situation or keeping quiet about something that bothers you.

Advanced Usage:

In more complex sentences, "bóp bụng" can be used in various tenses and contexts. For instance: - "Chúng ta cần phải bóp bụng trong thời kỳ khó khăn này." (We need to stint ourselves during this difficult time.) - "Mặc dù rất khó chịu, nhưng tôi phải bóp bụng mà chịu đựng." (Although it's very uncomfortable, I have to stomach it.)

Word Variants:

• "Bóp" means "squeeze" and can be used in other contexts, while "bụng" means "belly" or "stomach." Together they form the phrase "bóp bụng."
• Variants like "bóp" alone can be used in different phrases, such as "bóp chặt" (squeeze tightly).

Different Meanings:

• While "bóp bụng" is primarily used in these contexts, "bóp" can also relate to squeezing or compressing in a physical sense, unrelated to the financial or emotional meanings.

Synonyms:

• For saving money: "tiết kiệm" (to save), "cắt giảm" (to cut down).
• For enduring: "chịu đựng" (to endure), "nhẫn nhịn" (to tolerate).

Summary:

In summary, "bóp bụng" is a versatile phrase that effectively conveys the idea of self-restraint, both in terms of financial discipline and emotional endurance.

Academic

1. To stint oneself in everything
   • bóp bụng để dành tiền
     to stint oneself in everything to save money
2. To stomach it
   • bóp bụng mà chịu, không dám nói gì
     he stomached it and did not dare say a word