Definition

1. Noun:
   • A narrative pause or break, often in traditional storytelling: "Hạ hồi" refers to a conventional intermission or a point of suspense in a story, particularly in classical Vietnamese narratives like "Truyện Kiều" or traditional theater, where the tale is divided into chapters or sections. It signals a pause with the implication that the story will continue.
   • (Figurative) A temporary pause in events, with the outcome to be seen later: Used metaphorically to describe a situation that is left unresolved for the moment, with the understanding that developments will follow. It carries a sense of "to be continued" or "we'll see what happens next."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Truyện Kiều thường kết thúc mỗi đoạn bằng cụm từ "hạ hồi". (The Tale of Kieu often ends each section with the phrase "hạ hồi".)
  • Câu chuyện của họ tạm dừng ở đây, hạ hồi phân giải. (Their story pauses here for now; we'll see how it resolves.)
  • Đây mới chỉ là phần mở đầu, hạ hồi sẽ còn nhiều điều bất ngờ. (This is just the beginning; there will be many more surprises to come.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hạ hồi phân giải": This is the most common and complete form. It explicitly means "to be continued and resolved in the next part" or "we'll see how it turns out." It directly addresses the future resolution of the current suspense.
  • Vụ việc còn nhiều ẩn số, phải hạ hồi phân giải vậy. (The matter still has many unknowns; we'll have to wait and see how it resolves.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phân giải (verb): To resolve, to analyze, to disentangle. In the idiom, it refers to the future act of resolving the plot or situation.
• Hồi (noun): A chapter, a section, or a period (in time). This is the root word meaning "chapter" that forms the basis of "hạ hồi" (to lower/end the chapter).

Synonyms

• Sẽ rõ: Will become clear.
• Còn tiếp: To be continued.
• Chờ xem: Wait and see.

Related Idioms

• "Hạ hồi phân giải": This is the standard idiomatic expression. It is used to indicate that a story, situation, or conflict is paused and its conclusion or resolution will be revealed later.
  • Ai đúng ai sai, hạ hồi phân giải. (Who is right and who is wrong, we'll find out later.)

1. (như Hạ hồi phân giải) We'll see