như thể

Friendly

The Vietnamese phrase "như thể" translates to "as if" or "as though" in English. It is used to express a comparison or to indicate that something is done in a way that resembles something else.

Basic Usage

You can use "như thể" when you want to describe a situation or action that seems to be happening in a particular manner, similar to something else.

Examples:

1. Literal Comparison:

   • "Anh em như thể tay chân."
   • Translation: "Brothers are like limbs of a body."
   • This means that brothers are very close and essential to each other, just like limbs are essential parts of a body.

2. Describing Actions:

   • "Nó chạy như thể có ma đuổi."
   • Translation: "He ran as though the devil was after him."
   • This indicates that he ran very fast, suggesting urgency or fear.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "như thể" can be used in literary or poetic language to convey deeper meanings or emotions. It helps create vivid imagery or to emphasize feelings.

Word Variants

There are no direct variants of "như thể," but similar expressions that convey comparison include: - "như" (like) - "giống như" (similar to)

Different Meanings

While "như thể" primarily means "as if" or "as though," it can also imply a sense of uncertainty or speculation about a situation. For example: - "Có lẽ anh ấy đang buồn, như thể có chuyện gì xảy ra." - Translation: "Perhaps he is sad, as if something has happened."

Synonyms

• "giống như" (similar to)
• "như" (like)
• "cứ như" (just like)

Summary

"Như thể" is a useful phrase for making comparisons or describing actions in a way that conveys resemblance or speculation.

Academic

1. Like
   • Anh em như thể tay chân (ca dao)
     Brother are like limbs of a body
2. As if, as though
   • Nó chạy như thể có ma đuổi
     He ran as though the devil was after him