Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To give a false or insincere invitation; to invite someone out of mere politeness or formality without genuine intent: "chào rơi" describes the act of extending an invitation that is not meant to be accepted, often as a social courtesy. It implies a disconnect between the spoken words and the speaker's true feelings or intentions.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy chỉ chào rơi tôi đi ăn tối thôi, đừng tin. (He just gave me a false invitation to dinner, don't believe it.)
  • "Mời chị vào nhà chơi!" – Đó chỉ là lời chào rơi, tôi biết họ đang bận. ("Please come in and visit!" – That was just a polite/empty invitation, I know they are busy.)
  • Miệng chào rơi, bụng khấn trời đừng ăn. (The mouth gives a false invitation, while the belly prays to heaven they won't eat.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to critique or point out superficial social etiquette. It highlights a common cultural understanding that some invitations are merely polite gestures.
• It can be used as a standalone observation or as part of a larger commentary on social hypocrisy.

Variants and Related Words

• Mời khách (v): To invite guests (a neutral term, can be sincere or not depending on context).
• Nói xã giao (v): To speak out of social politeness; to make small talk.
• Giả vờ (v): To pretend, to feign.

Synonyms

• Mời giả vờ / Mời khách xã giao: To pretend to invite / To invite out of social formality.
• Nói cho có lệ: To say something just for the sake of it, as a mere formality.

Related Idioms

• Miệng chào rơi, bụng khấn trời đừng ăn: A proverb literally meaning "The mouth gives a false invitation, the belly prays to heaven they won't eat." It perfectly encapsulates the meaning of "chào rơi," describing someone who invites insincerely while secretly hoping the invitee declines.