dạm hỏi
Definition
- Verb:
- To propose marriage formally; to ask for someone's hand in marriage: This is a traditional Vietnamese custom where the groom's family formally visits the bride's family to ask for permission for the couple to marry. It is a significant pre-wedding ritual.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Gia đình nhà trai sẽ đến dạm hỏi vào cuối tuần này. (The groom's family will come to propose formally this weekend.)
- Lễ dạm hỏi thường có trầu cau và trà. (The marriage proposal ceremony often includes betel leaves, areca nuts, and tea.)
- Họ đã dạm hỏi con gái của ông bà ấy từ năm ngoái. (They formally asked for their daughter's hand in marriage last year.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is specifically used for the formal, ceremonial act. It is not used for a casual marriage proposal between the two individuals alone.
- The event itself can be referred to as "lễ dạm hỏi" (the engagement/proposal ceremony).
Variants and Related Words
- Hỏi cưới (v): This is a subsequent, more definitive ritual after "dạm hỏi," where the groom's family returns to finalize wedding plans and present the wedding gifts.
- Đám hỏi (n): A noun referring to the engagement ceremony event, stemming from the verb "dạm hỏi."
Synonyms
- To ask for someone's hand (in marriage): A direct English equivalent for the formal request.
- To propose marriage (formally): Emphasizes the ceremonial aspect.
Related Cultural Notes
- "Dạm hỏi" is a key step in traditional Vietnamese wedding customs. It demonstrates respect for the bride's family and seeks their official blessing.
- The ceremony involves the exchange of symbolic gifts, such as betel leaves and areca nuts, which represent fidelity and a strong bond.