Definition

Verb: - To excuse; to pardon; to forgive: To show leniency or tolerance towards someone's mistake, fault, or offense, choosing not to punish or blame them. It implies a generous and forgiving nature.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Xin hãy dung thứ cho sự bất cẩn của tôi. (Please excuse my carelessness.)
  • Ông ấy đã rộng lượng dung thứ cho lỗi lầm của nhân viên. (He generously pardoned his employee's mistake.)
  • Lòng khoan dung là biết dung thứ người khác. (Mercy is knowing how to forgive others.)

Advanced Usage

• "dung thứ cho": This is the most common construction, meaning "to pardon/excuse/forgive (someone or something)." It is used with the preposition "cho."
  • Chúng tôi kính mong ngài dung thứ cho những thiếu sót. (We respectfully beg your pardon for the shortcomings.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dung (容 - verb/adjective): To tolerate, to contain, to allow. This is the root character meaning "to contain" or "appearance," contributing to the concept of tolerance.
• Thứ (恕 - verb): To forgive, to pardon. This is the root character specifically meaning "to forgive."
• Tha thứ (verb): To forgive, to pardon. A close synonym, often used interchangeably with "dung thứ," though "tha thứ" can sometimes emphasize the act of forgiveness itself.
• Khoan dung (adjective/verb): Tolerant, magnanimous; to be tolerant. Describes the forgiving character or the act of tolerating.
• Độ lượng (adjective): Magnanimous, generous. Describes a forgiving and tolerant character.

Synonyms

• Tha thứ: to forgive, to pardon.
• Tha lỗi: to forgive a fault.
• Bỏ qua: to let it pass, to overlook.
• Miễn thứ (formal/literary): to exempt from blame, to pardon.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Formality and Nuance: "Dung thứ" is a formal and literary term, often found in written Vietnamese, formal speeches, or respectful requests. It carries a connotation of noble leniency and magnanimity.
• Combined Meaning: The word is a compound of "dung" (tolerate) and "thứ" (forgive). Therefore, its meaning encompasses both tolerance and active forgiveness.
• Common Contexts: It is frequently used in appeals, apologies, or discussions about morality and virtue. It is less common in casual, everyday speech where "tha thứ" or "bỏ qua" might be used.

verb

1. to excuse; to pardon