Definition

1. Verb:
   • To kiss: To touch or press with the lips as a sign of love, greeting, or respect. This is the primary and most common meaning of "hôn".

Usage

• Verb: The word "hôn" is used as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person or thing being kissed). It describes the physical act of kissing.
  • Mẹ hôn lên trán con. (The mother kisses her child's forehead.)
  • Anh ấy hôn tay cô ấy. (He kisses her hand.)
  • Họ hôn nhau trước cửa nhà. (They kiss each other in front of the house.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hôn lễ": This is a compound noun meaning "wedding ceremony" or specifically "the exchange of vows/kisses" part of a wedding. It is a formal, traditional term.

  • Hôn lễ sẽ được cử hành vào trưa nay. (The wedding ceremony will be held at noon today.)

• "Hôn phối": This is a compound verb meaning "to marry" or "to wed," used in very formal or literary contexts.

  • Hai gia đình đã đồng ý cho họ hôn phối. (The two families agreed to let them marry.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hôn hít (verb): To kiss repeatedly or affectionately; to smooch.

  • Đôi trẻ hôn hít nhau trên ghế đá. (The young couple were smooching on the stone bench.)

• Nụ hôn (noun): A kiss.

  • Cô ấy để lại một nụ hôn trên má anh. (She left a kiss on his cheek.)

• Cái hôn (noun): A kiss (more colloquial than "nụ hôn").

  • Nó tặng bà một cái hôn. (He gave his grandmother a kiss.)

Synonyms

• Thơm (verb, informal): To kiss, often used for a light, affectionate kiss, especially to or from a child.
  • Con thơm mẹ một cái đi! (Give mommy a kiss!)

Related Idioms

• Hôn đất: Literally "to kiss the ground." This idiom means to fall flat on one's face or to prostrate oneself, often expressing extreme gratitude, submission, or after a bad fall.

  • Vấp phải hòn đá, nó suýt nữa thì hôn đất. (Tripping over a stone, he almost kissed the ground.)

• Hôn gót chân (kẻ nào): Literally "to kiss someone's heels." This is an idiom meaning to flatter or grovel before someone obsequiously.

  • Hắn ta sẵn sàng hôn gót chân cấp trên để được thăng chức. (He is ready to kiss his superior's heels to get a promotion.)

verb

1. to kiss