bữa cỗ
Definition
- Noun:
- A feast, a banquet: A large, elaborate meal prepared for a special occasion or celebration, often involving many guests and multiple dishes.
- A festive meal: A meal that is more abundant and special than a regular daily meal, typically held during holidays, weddings, or other significant events.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cả làng được mời đến dự bữa cỗ cưới. (The whole village was invited to attend the wedding feast.)
- Ngày Tết, nhà nào cũng chuẩn bị một bữa cỗ thịnh soạn. (During Tet, every family prepares a sumptuous festive meal.)
- Bữa cỗ hôm nay có rất nhiều món ngon. (Today's banquet has many delicious dishes.)
Advanced Usage
"bữa cỗ lớn": a grand feast.
- Lễ kỷ niệm 100 năm sẽ có một bữa cỗ lớn. (The 100th anniversary will feature a grand feast.)
"ăn cỗ" / "đi ăn cỗ": to attend a feast.
- Cuối tuần này tôi phải đi ăn cỗ nhà người bạn. (This weekend I have to attend a feast at a friend's house.)
Variants and Related Words
Cỗ (n): Often used interchangeably with "bữa cỗ" to mean a feast. It can also refer specifically to the set of dishes prepared for the occasion.
- Mâm cỗ ngày Tết (The Tet feast tray)
Tiệc (n): A party or banquet. This word is more common in modern Southern Vietnamese and can be synonymous with "cỗ" but often implies a more formal or Western-style event.
- Tiệc cưới (Wedding party/banquet)
Yến tiệc (n): A formal banquet (more literary).
- Yến tiệc linh đình (A lavish banquet)
Synonyms
- Feast: A large and special meal for many people.
- Banquet: A formal, large meal for a celebration.
- Festive meal: A meal for a festival or holiday.
Related Phrases
Cỗ bàn: Refers to the affairs of preparing and hosting feasts.
- Việc cỗ bàn cho đám cưới rất phức tạp. (The preparations for the wedding feast are very complicated.)
Làm cỗ: to prepare/cook a feast.
- Các mẹ, các chị đang tất bật làm cỗ. (The mothers and sisters are busily preparing the feast.)
Related Idioms
- Ăn cỗ đi trước, lội nước theo sau: A proverb meaning "Arrive early for a feast, but follow others when crossing water." It advises to be proactive in seeking benefits but cautious in facing difficulties.
- Anh ta luôn hành động theo kiểu "ăn cỗ đi trước, lội nước theo sau". (He always acts according to the principle of being first for benefits but last for risks.)