bái mạng
Definition
- Verb:
- To prostrate oneself before the emperor/king to receive orders: An archaic term describing the formal act of bowing low or prostrating oneself in front of a monarch to receive commands or appointments.
- To receive an imperial/royal mandate: The act of formally accepting a duty, title, or mission directly from the sovereign through this ceremonial prostration.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Sau khi được chỉ định, vị tướng vào cung bái mạng. (After being appointed, the general entered the palace to prostrate himself before the king to receive orders.)
- Ông ấy bái mạng nhận nhiệm vụ đi sứ. (He received the royal mandate to undertake a diplomatic mission.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is almost exclusively used in historical or literary contexts, particularly when describing court rituals in feudal Vietnam or China. It evokes a sense of absolute loyalty, submission, and the gravity of a royal command.
Variants and Related Words
- Bái tạ (Verb): To bow in gratitude or thanks.
- Mệnh lệnh (Noun): Command, order (a more general, modern term).
- Tiếp chỉ (Verb): To receive an imperial decree (another formal, historical term).
Synonyms
- Vâng mệnh: To obey a command/order (often imperial).
- Lĩnh mệnh: To receive an order (can be used in both historical and modern contexts, but less specific to the ceremonial act).
Related Idioms
- Phụng mệnh thiên tử: To receive the Son of Heaven's (Emperor's) command. This phrase shares a similar ceremonial and historical context with bái mạng.