Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give presents or gifts (often with an ulterior motive): The primary meaning of "biếu xén" is the act of giving gifts, typically to someone in a position of power or authority, with the intention of gaining favor, influence, or a specific benefit. It carries a connotation of ingratiation or subtle bribery.
   • To curry favor with gifts: It specifically describes using gifts as a means to seek preferential treatment or to win someone's goodwill.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta chuyên đi biếu xén các quan chức. (He specializes in giving presents to officials.)
  • Muốn việc được thông qua, đôi khi phải biếu xén. (To get things approved, sometimes you have to give gifts.)
  • Họ tìm cách biếu xén sếp mới để lấy lòng. (They tried to curry favor with the new boss by giving gifts.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "biếu xén" is almost always used in a context that implies the gifts are not purely altruistic. They are strategic, given to superiors, officials, or powerful people to create an obligation or to soften their stance.
• It often describes a repeated or habitual action, not a single, isolated gift.

Variants and Related Words

• Biếu (v): to give, to present (a gift). This is a more neutral term for giving a gift, without the automatic negative connotation of "biếu xén."
  • Tôi biếu bà hàng xóm mấy quả cam. (I gave the neighbor some oranges as a gift.)
• Hối lộ (v): to bribe. This is a stronger, direct, and illegal act of giving money or valuables to corrupt someone's judgment. "Biếu xén" is often seen as a softer, more indirect, or culturally embedded precursor to outright bribery.

Synonyms

• To give gifts (with an agenda): The core action, emphasizing the strategic intent.
• To curry favor with presents: To seek to gain approval or special treatment through gifts.
• To ingratiate oneself with gifts: To bring oneself into favor with someone through gifts.

Related Idioms

• While "biếu xén" itself functions like an idiom, a related concept is:
  • Chạy chọt, biếu xén: This phrase combines "running around" (seeking connections) with "giving gifts," describing the full process of using influence and gifts to get something done.

    • Công việc đó đòi hỏi phải chạy chọt, biếu xén nhiều. (That job requires a lot of running around and giving gifts.)

1. To give, to present
   • tìm cách biếu xén bọn quan thầy
     to try to make presents and gifts to one's protectors, to try to curry one's protectors' favour with presents