Thợ máy vá lốp.

the mechanic

Breakdown of Thợ máy vá lốp.

• vá lốp: to patch a tyre

Questions & Answers about Thợ máy vá lốp.

What does each word do in Thợ máy vá lốp?

It breaks down like this:

• thợ máy = mechanic
• vá = to patch, mend, repair
• lốp = tire / tyre

So the structure is:

subject + verb + object

→ thợ máy + vá + lốp

Is thợ máy one unit, or should I think of thợ and máy separately?

You should mainly learn thợ máy as a fixed expression meaning mechanic.

Still, it helps to know the parts:

• thợ = worker, craftsman, repair person
• máy = machine, engine

Vietnamese often builds noun phrases this way, and thợ máy is a normal job title. So in this sentence, treat it as one noun phrase: the mechanic / a mechanic.

Why is there no word for a or the?

Vietnamese usually does not require articles the way English does.

So Thợ máy vá lốp can mean:

• A mechanic patches a tire
• The mechanic is patching the tire
• Mechanics patch tires

Which one is meant depends on context.

If you want to be more specific, Vietnamese can add words to clarify, for example: