Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give alms; to give to charity: The primary meaning of "bố thí" is to give money, food, or other aid to people in need, often as a religious or moral duty, especially to monks or the poor.
   • To give (often with a condescending tone): In a broader or more negative sense, it can mean to hand out something, implying the act is done with pity, disdain, or a sense of superiority.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các Phật tử thường bố thí cho nhà chùa. (Buddhists often give alms to the temple.)
  • Ông ấy bố thí tiền cho người ăn xin. (He gave money as alms to the beggar.)
  • Đó không phải là sự giúp đỡ, mà là bố thí. (That is not help; it is condescending charity.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is strongly associated with Buddhist practice but is used in general contexts for charitable giving.
• It can carry a critical nuance, suggesting the giver looks down upon the receiver.

Variants and Related Words

• Của bố thí (n): alms, charity (the item given).
  • Họ sống nhờ của bố thí. (They live on alms.)

Synonyms

• Give alms: to give charity, especially in a religious context.
• Dole out: to distribute, often meagerly or condescendingly.

Related Idioms

• Ăn xin bố thí: to beg for alms.

  • Người dân vùng đó phải đi ăn xin bố thí. (The people in that region had to go begging for alms.)

• Sống bằng bố thí: to live on charity.

  • Cả gia đình sống bằng bố thí của hàng xóm. (The whole family lives on the charity of their neighbors.)

verb

1. To give as alms, to give as charities
   • của bố trí
     alms, charities
2. To give, to hand out