Definition

1. Verb:
   • To present (as a gift): To give something to someone, often a superior, elder, or respected person, as a token of respect, gratitude, or politeness. The act carries a nuance of formality and deference.
   • To offer respectfully: To make a gift with a sense of courtesy, humility, or observance of social hierarchy.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tôi biếu ông ấy một giỏ trái cây. (I presented him with a basket of fruit.)
  • Cô ấy biếu thầy giáo cũ một món quà nhỏ. (She presented her old teacher with a small gift.)
  • Họ biếu bác sĩ một phong bì để tỏ lòng biết ơn. (They presented the doctor with an envelope to show their gratitude.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "biếu" is often used in fixed phrases to denote a special copy of a publication meant as a respectful gift.
  • sách biếu: a presentation copy of a book.

    • Đây là cuốn sách biếu của tác giả. (This is the author's presentation copy of the book.)
  • báo biếu: a presentation copy of a newspaper or magazine.

Variants and Related Words

• Tặng (v): To give, to donate, to award. This is a more general term for giving a gift, without the specific connotation of deference inherent in "biếu".
• Cống hiến (v): To dedicate, to contribute (often for a cause or collective).
• Dâng (v): To offer up, to present (used for superiors, deities, or in very formal/ceremonial contexts; stronger than "biếu").

Synonyms

• Present: To give something formally.
• Offer respectfully: To give as a courteous gesture.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Biếu xén: (Often used slightly pejoratively) Refers to the act of giving gifts, particularly to curry favor or in a context of potential obligation.
  • Việc biếu xén quà cáp cho cấp trên đôi khi gây tranh cãi. (The practice of presenting gifts to superiors is sometimes controversial.)

verb

1. To present
   • biếu cuốn sách
     To prsent a book
   • sách biếu
     a presentation copy of a book
   • báo biếu
     a presentation copy of a newspaper (magazine)