Definition

1. Verb:
   • To bewitch, to charm, to cast a spell on: The action of using magic, a potion, or a charm to influence, control, or enchant someone, often to make them fall in love or act against their will.
   • To enchant, to put under a spell: To subject someone to supernatural influence through magical means.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người ta đồn bà ấy biết cách bỏ bùa. (People say she knows how to cast spells.)
  • Anh ta như bị bỏ bùa, mê mẩn cô ấy từ cái nhìn đầu tiên. (He is as if bewitched, infatuated with her from the first glance.)
  • Trong câu chuyện dân gian, phù thủy thường bỏ bùa các nhân vật. (In folk tales, witches often put spells on characters.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively: To describe a powerful, captivating, and often irresistible attraction that feels magical or beyond one's control.
  • Giọng hát của cô ấy như bỏ bùa người nghe. (Her singing voice is like a spell on the listeners.)
• "Bị bỏ bùa": To be bewitched/charmed. A common passive construction describing the state of the person affected.
  • Cậu ấy trông như bị bỏ bùa vậy, chẳng còn để tâm đến ai khác. (He looks like he's been bewitched, paying no attention to anyone else.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bùa: (Noun) A charm, amulet, or talisman; the magical object or spell itself.
  • Đeo bùa (to wear an amulet)
• Bùa ngải: (Noun) A specific term often referring to love charms or spells used in romantic contexts.
• Yểm bùa: (Verb) To cast a spell, often with a similar meaning but can imply a more ritualistic or hidden action.
• Làm bùa: (Verb Phrase) To make/create a charm or spell.

Synonyms

• Mê hoặc: To fascinate, to captivate (can be used in both magical and non-magical contexts).
• Yểm: To cast a spell, to jinx (often with a negative or harmful connotation).
• Làm phép: To perform magic.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Như bị bỏ bùa: (Idiom) Like being bewitched; used to describe someone acting in a mesmerized, infatuated, or irrational manner.
  • Cứ nhìn thấy cô ấy là anh ta đứng hình như bị bỏ bùa. (Whenever he sees her, he freezes as if bewitched.)
• Bỏ bùa mê: A reinforced phrase emphasizing the enchanting, mesmerizing aspect of the spell.
  • Lời nói ngọt ngào của hắn như bỏ bùa mê. (His sweet words are like a mesmerizing spell.)

Cultural Note

The concept of "bỏ bùa" is deeply rooted in Vietnamese folk beliefs and mythology. It frequently appears in proverbs, folk songs ("ca dao"), and stories, reflecting traditional views on love, fate, and supernatural influence. For example, the referenced folk verse ("Ba cô đội gạo lên chùa...") illustrates a classic scenario where a charm is used to enchant a monk.

1. Bewitch, charm, cast a spell on (over)