bôn xu
Definition
- Verb:
- To curry favor, to seek patronage: "bôn xu" describes the act of frequently visiting or associating with influential or powerful individuals in order to seek their support, favor, or protection. It implies a deliberate effort to gain advantage through connections.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hắn ta chỉ giỏi bôn xu các quan chức cấp cao. (He is only good at currying favor with high-ranking officials.)
- Muốn thăng tiến nhanh, anh ấy đã chọn cách bôn xu. (Wanting to advance quickly, he chose the method of seeking patronage.)
Advanced Usage Notes
- The term "bôn xu" carries a generally negative connotation, suggesting opportunism, flattery, or ingratiating oneself for personal gain rather than genuine relationship-building. It is considered a somewhat rare and literary term in modern Vietnamese.
Variants and Related Words
- Nịnh hót / Xu nịnh (v): To flatter, to fawn upon. These are more common synonyms that share the core idea of seeking favor through insincere praise or behavior.
- Luồn cúi (v): To act obsequiously, to grovel. This term emphasizes a loss of dignity in the pursuit of favor.
- Cầu cạnh (v): To beg for help or favor, often persistently. This focuses more on the act of pleading.
Synonyms
- Curry favor: To seek to gain favor or approval, especially through flattery or servile behavior.
- Ingratiate oneself: To bring oneself into favor with someone by deliberate effort.
- Seek patronage: To look for the support, protection, or sponsorship of a powerful person.
Related Idioms
- Chạy chọt: This common idiom refers to the act of "running around" pulling strings or using connections (often involving bribes) to get something done. While related, "chạy chọt" is broader and can involve active lobbying, whereas "bôn xu" focuses more on the act of frequenting and flattering the patron.