ăn thua

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The Vietnamese word "ăn thua" has a few different meanings and uses, which can be helpful for you to understand as you learn the language.

Basic Meaning:

1. To Play for Winning: The phrase "ăn thua" is often used in the context of games or competitions. It means to play with the intention of winning or losing. For example, when someone plays chess seriously, they are "ăn thua" because they care about the outcome.

   • Example: "Chơi cờ để giải trí, không cốt ăn thua."

2. To Succeed or Make It: In a broader sense, "ăn thua" can also mean to achieve success or to make it in life. This usage emphasizes the importance of effort and resources.

   • Example: "Không có tiền thì không ăn thua."

Advanced Usage:

• "Ăn thua" can also imply a competitive spirit in various aspects of life, not just games. It suggests that one must put in effort and resources to achieve their goals.

  • Example: "Phải cố gắng gấp đôi mới ăn thua."

Word Variants:

• Ăn thua can be paired with other words to create phrases like "ăn thua đủ" (to win or lose enough), which indicates playing until one feels satisfied regardless of the outcome.

Different Meanings:

• While "ăn thua" primarily focuses on competition and success, it can also imply the struggle involved in achieving something. It's not just about winning; it's about the journey and effort put into reaching a goal.

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "ăn thua" in the context of competition might include:
  • Thắng thua (win or lose)
  • Chơi (to play, though this is broader and doesn't always imply competition)
  • Đấu (to compete)

Summary:

In summary, "ăn thua" is a versatile Vietnamese term used in both competitive contexts and in discussions about success and effort. It encourages an understanding that winning isn't everything; rather, the effort you put in is just as important.

Academic

1. To play for the vanity of winning
   • chơi cờ để giải trí, không cốt ăn thua
     to play chess for amusement, not for the vanity of winning
2. To make it, to succeed
   • không có tiền thì không ăn thua
     without money, we won't make it
   • phải cố gắng gấp đôi mới ăn thua
     we must work twice harder to make it