Definition

Verb: - To ritually propose marriage: Refers to the traditional Vietnamese betrothal ceremony where the groom's family visits the bride's family to formally ask for her hand in marriage, presenting specific ceremonial offerings.

Usage

This verb describes the specific cultural act of performing the traditional betrothal ceremony. It is used in the context of marriage preparations. - Hai gia đình đã tổ chức lễ ăn hỏi vào cuối tuần trước. (The two families held the betrothal ceremony last weekend.) - Theo phong tục, nhà trai sẽ mang lễ vật đến nhà gái để ăn hỏi. (According to custom, the groom's family brings ceremonial gifts to the bride's family to perform the proposal ritual.)

Advanced Usage

• Làm lễ ăn hỏi: To conduct/hold the betrothal ceremony.
  • Họ sẽ làm lễ ăn hỏi vào tháng tới. (They will hold the betrothal ceremony next month.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lễ ăn hỏi (n): The betrothal ceremony itself.
  • Lễ ăn hỏi thường diễn ra trước lễ cưới vài tháng. (The betrothal ceremony usually takes place a few months before the wedding.)
• Lễ dạm ngõ / Lễ chạm ngõ (n): A preliminary, less formal meeting between families before the main ceremony.
• Đính hôn (v/n): To get engaged / engagement. This is a more general term for engagement, while specifies the traditional ritual.

Synonyms

• Làm lễ hỏi: To conduct the asking ceremony. (A near-identical synonym)
• Cầu hôn theo nghi lễ: To propose according to ritual. (A descriptive synonym)

Notes on Meaning

This term is deeply cultural and refers specifically to the Vietnamese tradition. The closest direct translation is "to perform the betrothal ceremony." It is distinct from a simple, modern proposal (cầu hôn), as it involves formal rituals, family participation, and the exchange of specific gifts like betel nuts, tea, and cakes.

verb

1. To propose ritually (with an offering to the girl's parents)