Definition

1. Verb:
   • To report, to inform, to present (to a superior): "bẩm" means to formally report or present a matter to someone of higher authority or status.
   • To address respectfully (archaic): Used as a respectful term of address when speaking to a superior, often translated as "Sir" or "Your Honor" and not always directly translated.

Usage Examples

• Verb (To report):

  • Bẩm tỉnh một vụ án. (To refer a legal case to the provincial level.)
  • Tôi xin bẩm với ngài đầy đủ sự việc. (I would like to fully report the matter to you, sir.)

• Verb (As respectful address):

  • Bẩm quan lớn! (Your Honor! / Sir!)
  • "Một điều thưa, hai điều bẩm." (A proverbial saying emphasizing constant deference, meaning to always address someone with respect.)

Advanced Usage

• "Bẩm trình": A compound verb meaning to report or present (to a superior). This is a more formal variant.

  • Cần bẩm trình sự việc lên cấp trên. (It is necessary to report the matter to the superiors.)

• "Bẩm báo": Another compound verb meaning to inform or notify (a superior).

  • Anh ấy vừa đi bẩm báo tin này. (He just went to inform [the superior] of this news.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thưa (verb): To address, to speak to (someone, often a superior). It is a more common and contemporary synonym for the respectful address function of "bẩm".
• Trình (verb): To present, to submit. This is a core synonym for the "reporting" function.
• Báo cáo (verb): To report. A modern, standard term.

Synonyms

• Report (to): To give an account or statement about a matter.
• Inform (formally): To give information, especially in a formal context.
• Address (respectfully): To speak to using a title or term of respect.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Bẩm lên: To report upward/to a higher level.
  • Vụ việc đã được bẩm lên Bộ. (The case has been reported to the Ministry.)
• Bẩm lại: To report back.
  • Xin phép được đi bẩm lại. (Please allow me to go and report back.)

Related Idioms

• "Một điều thưa, hai điều bẩm": An idiom teaching deference, meaning one should always be exceedingly polite and respectful when addressing superiors (lit., "One thing 'thưa', two things 'bẩm'").
• "Bẩm trên, thưa dưới": Describes proper hierarchical etiquette—using "bẩm" for those above and "thưa" for those below or as a general polite address.

verb

1. To refer (to higher level)
   • bẩm tỉnh một vụ án
     to refer a legal case to provincial level
2. Sir
   • một điều thưa, hai điều bẩm
     to always sir (somebody)