Definition

1. Verb:
   • To worship / to venerate: The primary meaning of "cúng bái" refers to the act of performing rituals to show reverence and devotion to deities, ancestors, or spiritual entities. It involves making offerings.
   • To practice ancestor worship: Specifically denotes the traditional Vietnamese practice of honoring deceased family members with ceremonies and offerings.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gia đình tôi cúng bái tổ tiên vào ngày rằm hàng tháng. (My family worships our ancestors on the full moon each month.)
  • Người dân trong làng đến đền để cúng bái thần linh. (The villagers go to the temple to worship the deities.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "cúng bái" often implies a formal, ritualistic practice. It is more specific and formal than the simpler verb "cúng" (to offer).

Variants and Related Words

• Cúng (v): to make offerings, to present ritual offerings. This is the core action within "cúng bái."

  • Họ cúng hoa quả trên bàn thờ. (They offered fruit on the altar.)

• Lễ bái (v): to bow in worship, to pay respects through ritual bowing.

  • Các Phật tử thành tâm lễ bái. (The Buddhists devoutly bow in worship.)

Synonyms

• Worship: to show reverence and adoration for a deity.
• Venerate: to regard with great respect, often in a religious context.
• Honor (ancestors): to show respect for deceased family members through ritual.

Related Idioms

• While "cúng bái" itself is a formal term, it is central to the idiom:
  • Cúng bái tổ tiên: ancestor worship. This refers to the entire system of beliefs and practices.

    • Cúng bái tổ tiên là một nét văn hóa quan trọng. (Ancestor worship is an important cultural feature.)