Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To live to be (a certain age): This is the primary and most respectful meaning of "hưởng thọ." It is used specifically to state the age at which a person, typically an elderly or respected individual, passed away. It carries a formal and dignified tone, implying a full life span.
   • To enjoy longevity: In a more general and less common usage, it can refer to the act of living a long life, enjoying the benefits of old age.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cụ ông ấy đã hưởng thọ chín mươi lăm tuổi. (The elderly gentleman lived to be ninety-five years old.)
  • Theo sử sách, nhà hiền triết đó hưởng thọ tám mươi tuổi. (According to historical records, that sage lived to be eighty.)
  • Chúc cụ hưởng thọ trăm tuổi. (I wish you, venerable elder, live to be one hundred years old. [Used as a blessing])

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in formal contexts, such as obituaries, historical texts, biographies, or respectful announcements of a death. It is not used for children or young people.
• It is commonly seen in the structure: "hưởng thọ + [number] + tuổi."

Variants and Related Words

• Thọ (n): Longevity, old age. Often used in blessings (e.g., - to celebrate a longevity birthday).
• Qua đời / từ trần / khuất núi (v): To pass away, to die. These are general terms for death, while "hưởng thọ" specifies the age.
• Hưởng dương (v): A less common and slightly literary synonym for "hưởng thọ," also meaning to live to a certain age.

Synonyms

• To live to be: The direct equivalent.
• To die at the age of: A more neutral, factual synonym.
• To reach the age of (before dying): A descriptive synonym.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Hưởng thọ cao: To live to a ripe old age.
  • Ông bà tôi đều hưởng thọ rất cao. (My grandparents both lived to a very ripe old age.)
• Tuổi thọ (n): Lifespan.
  • Tuổi thọ trung bình đang tăng lên. (The average lifespan is increasing.)

1. Live to be
   • Hưởng thọ năm mươi tuổi
     To live to be fifty