thêm bớt

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The Vietnamese word "thêm bớt" is a verb phrase that means "to adjust by adding or removing details." It is used when you want to modify something, whether by adding new information or taking away unnecessary parts to make it better or more suitable.

Usage Instructions:

1. Context: Use "thêm bớt" when you are discussing changes to a plan, a piece of writing, a project, or any situation that involves modifying details.
2. Form: The phrase can be used in various tenses depending on the context. For example, you can say "tôi sẽ thêm bớt" (I will adjust) or "tôi đã thêm bớt" (I adjusted).

Example:

• In a conversation about a report: "Tôi cần thêm bớt thông tin trong báo cáo này." (I need to adjust the information in this report.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Thêm bớt" can also imply fine-tuning or perfecting something, not just basic adjustments. For instance, a writer may "thêm bớt" their story until it flows better or is more engaging.

Word Variants:

• While "thêm bớt" is commonly used, you might also come across "thêm vào" (to add) and "bớt đi" (to remove) as separate terms that convey similar meanings but are not as versatile as "thêm bớt."

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "thêm bớt" can suggest dishonesty or exaggeration, especially when someone adds unnecessary details to make something sound better than it is. For example, "Anh ấy thường thêm bớt câu chuyện của mình." (He often embellishes his story.)

Synonyms:

• "Điều chỉnh" (to adjust) is a synonym that can be used in more formal contexts.
• "Sửa đổi" (to modify) can also be used when discussing changes but might imply a more significant alteration than "thêm bớt."

Academic

verb

1. adjust to add or cut details