gả bán
Definition
- Verb:
- To give in marriage (in a transactional or archaic context): The primary meaning refers to the act of arranging a marriage for a daughter, often with connotations of a transaction or an agreement, typically used in historical or literary contexts. It implies a formal, and sometimes obligatory, transfer from the parental family to the husband's family.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Ngày xưa, cha mẹ thường có quyền gả bán con gái. (In the past, parents often had the right to give their daughters in marriage.)
- Câu chuyện kể về một cô gái bị gia đình gả bán cho một người giàu có. (The story tells of a girl whose family gave her in marriage to a wealthy man.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "gả bán" is considered archaic and carries a somewhat negative or transactional nuance, contrasting with the more neutral modern term "gả" (to marry off). It is primarily found in historical narratives, folk tales, or literature depicting older customs.
- Tục lệ gả bán con gái để trả nợ nay đã không còn. (The custom of giving a daughter in marriage to repay a debt no longer exists.)
Variants and Related Words
- Gả (verb): To give in marriage, to marry off (a daughter). This is the standard, contemporary verb.
- Họ đã gả con gái cho một bác sĩ. (They married their daughter to a doctor.)
- Cưới gả (compound noun): Marriage, wedding ceremonies (referring to the institutions of marriage).
- Chuyện cưới gả là việc hệ trọng. (Marriage is an important matter.)
Synonyms
- Gả chồng (verb phrase): To marry off (to a husband). This is a more specific synonym.
- Kết hôn (cho ai) (verb): To arrange a marriage (for someone). This is a modern, general term.
Related Phrases
- Ép gả (verb phrase): To force into marriage.
- Không nên ép gả con cái. (One should not force children into marriage.)
Related Idioms
- Gả bán như hàng hoá: To give in marriage as if selling goods. This idiom emphasizes the strongly transactional and impersonal nature implied by "gả bán."
- Xã hội phong kiến đôi khi xem phụ nữ như một món hàng, có thể gả bán như hàng hoá. (Feudal society sometimes viewed women as goods that could be given in marriage as if they were merchandise.)