Definition

1. Verb:
   • To foist: To force an unwanted thing, task, or idea upon someone else, often deceitfully or unfairly.
   • To attribute (something negative): To assign blame, a fault, or a bad quality to someone, often without justification.
   • To pledge (as payment): To give an item as a substitute for money to settle a debt.
   • To force into marriage: To arrange a marriage for someone, especially a daughter, against their will.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta gán cho tôi trách nhiệm về sai lầm đó. (He foisted the responsibility for that mistake onto me.)
  • Họ gán cho cô ấy cái tiếng là khó tính. (They attributed a reputation for being difficult to her.)
  • Vì không có tiền, ông ấy phải gán chiếc xe đạp để trả nợ. (Having no money, he had to pledge his bicycle to pay the debt.)
  • Gia đình đã gán cô ấy cho một người đàn ông giàu có. (The family forced her into marriage with a wealthy man.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "gán" often carries a negative connotation of imposition, unfairness, or lack of consent. It is not used for neutral acts of giving or assigning.

Variants and Related Words

• Gán ghép (v): To force a match or union; to pair people together (often in marriage or relationship) against their will.

  • Cha mẹ không nên gán ghép con cái. (Parents should not force their children into arranged matches.)

• Gán nợ (v): To settle a debt by handing over property.

  • Cửa hàng phải gán nợ hàng hóa cho chủ nợ. (The shop had to settle the debt by handing over goods to the creditor.)

Synonyms

• Foist: To impose an unwelcome or unnecessary thing on someone.
• Impute: To attribute (especially a fault or crime) to someone.
• Pledge: To give as security for a debt.
• Consign: To give over to another's care (often used for forced marriage in this context).

Related Idioms

• Gán tội: To falsely accuse; to pin a crime on someone.

  • Không có bằng chứng, đừng gán tội cho người khác. (Without evidence, do not falsely accuse others.)

• Gán của, gán con: Refers to the historical practice of using property or even one's children as collateral or payment for debt.

  • Câu chuyện kể về thời kỳ người ta có thể phải gán của, gán con để sống. (The story tells of a time when people might have had to pledge their possessions or children to survive.)

verb

1. to foist