Definition

1. Verb:
   • To beg for, to implore: To ask for something earnestly or desperately, often from someone in a position of power or authority, with a strong sense of humility and urgency.
   • To plead, to entreat: To make a serious and emotional request for help, forgiveness, or a favor.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ cầu xin mẹ cho thêm kẹo. (The child begged his mother for more candy.)
  • Họ cầu xin tòa án khoan dung. (They implored the court for mercy.)
  • Cô ấy cầu xin sự giúp đỡ từ những người qua đường. (She pleaded for help from the passersby.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "cầu xin" often implies a significant power imbalance, where the speaker is in a subordinate or desperate position. It is stronger and more formal than the simple word "xin" (to ask for).
• It is commonly used in contexts involving authority figures, deities, or dire circumstances.

Variants and Related Words

• Cầu khẩn (v): to beseech, to implore fervently. This is a more intense synonym.

  • Người dân cầu khẩn thần linh cứu giúp. (The people beseeched the deities for salvation.)

• Nài xin (v): to beg persistently, to plead.

  • Anh ta nài xin một cơ hội thứ hai. (He pleaded for a second chance.)

Synonyms

• Beg: To ask for something earnestly or humbly.
• Implore: To beg urgently or piteously.
• Plead: To make an emotional appeal.
• Entreat: To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.

Related Idioms

• Cầu xin van nài: to beg and plead incessantly. This phrase emphasizes the continuous and desperate nature of the begging.
  • Kẻ phạm tội cầu xin van nài trước quan tòa. (The criminal begged and pleaded before the judge.)

1. Beg for, implore
   • Cầu xin khoan dung
     To implore somebody for mercy