Definition

1. Verb:
   • To help; to aid: "cưu" means to provide assistance or support to someone, often implying a sense of carrying a burden or responsibility for another. This is an archaic or literary term in modern Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người ấy luôn sẵn lòng cưu giúp kẻ khó khăn. (That person is always willing to help those in difficulty.)
  • Tấm lòng cưu mang của bà con lối xóm thật đáng quý. (The supportive and caring spirit of the neighbors is truly precious.)

Advanced Usage

• "cưu mang": to support, to take care of (often implying long-term responsibility for someone's welfare).
  • Ông ấy đã cưu mang đứa trẻ mồ côi suốt nhiều năm. (He took care of the orphaned child for many years.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cứu (verb): to save, to rescue. (Note: This is a different, more common word that is homophonous but has a distinct meaning and character.)
• Giúp đỡ (verb): to help, to assist. (This is the standard modern synonym.)

Synonyms

• Giúp (verb): to help.
• Hỗ trợ (verb): to support, to assist.
• Đỡ đần (verb): to help, to lend a hand.

Notes on Usage

• The word "cưu" is considered archaic and is rarely used in everyday modern conversation. It is primarily found in classical literature, poetry, or formal, stylized writing.
• It often carries a connotation of compassionate aid, sometimes involving carrying a burden (emotional or physical) for another, as suggested by its historical roots.
• Do not confuse "cưu" with the more common word "cứu" (to save/rescue), despite their similar pronunciation.

verb

1. to help; to aid