Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To settle the matter; to be done with it; for the sake of closure: Used to indicate doing something to put an end to uncertainty, hesitation, or a situation, often with a sense of resignation or to achieve peace of mind.
   • Just to be sure; for the sake of it: Performing an action to eliminate doubt or to follow through, even if the outcome is already assumed or the effort seems redundant.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Tôi gọi điện cho anh ấy cho đành, dù biết anh ấy có lẽ không trả lời. (I called him just to be done with it, even though I knew he probably wouldn't answer.)
  • Cứ làm bài kiểm tra lại cho đành đi, biết đâu lại đỗ. (Just retake the exam to settle the matter, who knows, you might pass.)
  • Anh ấy mua vé số cho đành, chứ không hi vọng trúng. (He bought a lottery ticket just for the sake of it, without hoping to win.)

Advanced Usage

• "Làm cho đành" / "Làm cho đành lòng": To do something to satisfy oneself or to quiet one's mind, often reluctantly or without strong belief in the outcome.

  • Tôi viết thư giải thích cho đành lòng, dù biết cô ấy sẽ không hiểu. (I wrote a letter of explanation just to ease my conscience, even though I knew she wouldn't understand.)

• "Cho đành đoạn": A slightly more literary variant emphasizing a decisive end or a conclusive action.

  • Hãy nói rõ với nhau cho đành đoạn để khỏi bận tâm. (Let's speak clearly with each other to have a clean break and avoid further worry.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cho xong: (Adverbial phrase) To get it over with; to finish something. This is a close synonym but can imply a stronger desire to simply complete a burdensome task.

  • Làm nốt việc này cho xong rồi về. (Finish this work to get it over with and then go home.)

• Cho yên tâm: (Adverbial phrase) For peace of mind; to feel secure. This focuses more on the emotional state of reassurance rather than closure.

  • Tôi kiểm tra cửa lại lần nữa cho yên tâm. (I checked the door again for peace of mind.)

Synonyms

• Để dứt điểm: To settle definitively.
• Cho rồi: (Colloquial) To be done with it; that's it.

Related Phrases

• "Biết vậy nhưng cứ làm cho đành": A common pattern meaning "I know it's like that, but I'll do it anyway (for closure)."
  • Biết là khó nhưng tôi vẫn cố cho đành. (I know it's difficult, but I'll still try just to be done with it.)

Related Idioms

• "Liều một phen cho đành": To take a risk or give it a try just to see what happens, to settle the curiosity or desire.
  • Dù sợ độ cao, cô ấy vẫn liều một phen cho đành đi tàu lượn. (Even though afraid of heights, she took the plunge just to try it and rode the roller coaster.)