Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pay a plighting visit: Refers to the traditional Vietnamese pre-engagement ceremony where the groom's family visits the bride's family to formally propose marriage and discuss the wedding plans. This is the first official step in the traditional marriage process.
   • To have an initial formal meeting (figurative): Can be used metaphorically to describe the first formal contact or preliminary discussion between two parties, such as in business or diplomacy.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gia đình nhà trai sẽ chạm ngõ vào cuối tuần này. (The groom's family will pay the plighting visit this weekend.)
  • Hai công ty mới chỉ chạm ngõ để tìm hiểu cơ hội hợp tác. (The two companies have only had an initial meeting to explore cooperation opportunities.)

Advanced Usage

• "lễ chạm ngõ": The plighting ceremony; the formal event of the visit.
  • Lễ chạm ngõ thường diễn ra đơn giản với sự có mặt của hai bên gia đình. (The plighting ceremony usually takes place simply with the presence of both families.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lễ dạm ngõ / Dạm ngõ: A more common modern synonym for "chạm ngõ," referring to the same ceremony.
  • Sau lễ dạm ngõ, hai gia đình sẽ tiến tới lễ ăn hỏi. (After the plighting visit, the two families will proceed to the betrothal ceremony.)

Synonyms

• Dạm ngõ: To ask for marriage (through the initial visit).
• Hỏi ý kiến (trong hôn nhân): To ask for opinion (in marriage context).

Related Idioms

• "Chạm ngõ" (used figuratively): To make the first move; to initiate formal contact.
  • Để thương vụ thành công, ai sẽ là người chạm ngõ trước? (For the deal to succeed, who will make the first move?)

1. To pay a plighting visit
   • mang trầu cau đến chạm ngõ
     to bring areca nuts and betel for a plighting visit
   • lễ chạm ngõ
     a plighting ceremony