The Vietnamese word "ăn làm" is a verb phrase that translates to "to work for one's living" in English. It describes the act of working in order to earn money or support oneself.
Usage Instructions:
"Ăn làm" is typically used when discussing jobs or work-related activities. It's often used in contexts where the focus is on earning a livelihood.
You can use this phrase when talking about different professions or when discussing how people support themselves financially.
Examples:
Word Variants:
"Ăn thật làm giả": This variant means "to work perfunctorily," indicating that someone is not putting in their full effort at work.
"Kẻ ăn người làm": This phrase refers to "the servants, the domestics," highlighting a social distinction between those who work and those who do not.
"Ăn bợ làm biếng": This means "to be a lazy-bones," describing someone who does not work or make an effort.
Different Meanings:
While "ăn làm" primarily focuses on the concept of working for a living, its variants can convey different nuances about the quality or nature of work, as well as social roles.
Synonyms:
"Làm việc": This translates to "to work" and can be used in similar contexts, but it does not specifically emphasize the aspect of earning a living.
"Kiếm sống": This means "to earn a living," which closely relates to the idea of "ăn làm."
Conclusion:
Understanding "ăn làm" is important for discussing work and livelihood in Vietnamese.