Definition

1. Verb:
   • To propose a cease-fire; to sue for peace: The primary meaning of "cầu hoà" is to initiate a request for the end of hostilities or conflict, typically from a position of weakness or after setbacks.
   • To play for a draw: In competitive games like chess or sports, "cầu hoà" describes a strategy where the main objective is not to win, but to secure a tied result.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sau nhiều trận thua, quân đội buộc phải cầu hoà. (After many defeats, the army was forced to sue for peace.)
  • Đội khách chơi phòng ngự và chỉ cầu hoà. (The away team played defensively and only aimed for a draw.)
  • Họ gửi thông điệp cầu hoà để chấm dứt chiến tranh. (They sent a message to propose a cease-fire and end the war.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in both literal, military/political contexts and as a metaphor in any competitive or adversarial situation where one side seeks to end conflict or settle for a non-confrontational outcome.
• It implies a conscious decision to de-escalate or accept a stalemate, often carrying a nuance of reluctance or strategic concession.

Variants and Related Words

• Cầu hoà is a compound word formed from "cầu" (to seek, to pray for) and "hoà" (peace, harmony). It is used as a fixed phrase.
• Đàm phán hoà bình (v/n): to negotiate peace; peace negotiations.
  • Hai bên đã ngồi vào bàn đàm phán hoà bình. (The two sides sat down for peace negotiations.)
• Xin hoà (v): a less formal synonym meaning to ask for peace.
  • Kẻ yếu thế đã phải xin hoà. (The weaker side had to ask for peace.)

Synonyms

• Sue for peace: To formally ask for peace, especially in war.
• Seek a truce: To attempt to establish a temporary suspension of fighting.
• Play for a draw: To compete with the primary goal of achieving a tie (in games/sports).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Cầu hoà giảng hoà: This phrase emphasizes the act of not only proposing peace but also engaging in reconciliation talks.
  • Sau xung đột, bước đầu tiên là cầu hoà giảng hoà. (After conflict, the first step is to sue for peace and negotiate reconciliation.)
• While "cầu hoà" itself is a standard phrase, it is conceptually linked to the idiom "một điều nhịn, chín điều lành" (forbearance brings peace), which shares the theme of seeking harmony over conflict.

1. To propose a cease-fire
   • bị thất bại liên tiếp phải cầu hoà
     to have to propose a cease-fire because of a series of setbacks
2. To play for a draw (with no ambition to win)
   • đánh ván cờ này chỉ cầu hoà
     to play this game of chess only for a draw