Definition

Verb: - To keep company with, to converse (with a superior or respected person): A polite verb meaning to talk or converse, specifically implying the speaker is in a lower or more humble position relative to the listener, who is often an elder, superior, or highly respected individual. It conveys respect and attentiveness.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hôm nay được hầu chuyện cụ, tôi mới biết được nhiều việc đã xảy ra. (Today, having had the honor of conversing with you, sir/madam, I learned about many events that have occurred.)
  • Anh ấy rất vui khi được hầu chuyện các vị giáo sư. (He was very happy to have the opportunity to converse with the professors.)
  • Cô ấy ngồi hầu chuyện bà nội cả buổi chiều. (She sat and kept her grandmother company in conversation all afternoon.)

Advanced Usage

• "Được hầu chuyện": To have the honor/opportunity to converse (with someone respected). This structure emphasizes the privilege felt by the speaker.
  • Tôi rất hân hạnh được hầu chuyện ngài. (I am very honored to converse with you, sir.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trò chuyện (verb): To chat, to converse. This is a more general and neutral term for conversation without the connotation of hierarchy or formality present in "hầu chuyện".
  • Chúng tôi trò chuyện vui vẻ. (We chatted happily.)
• Nói chuyện (verb): To talk, to speak. This is the most common and general verb for talking.
  • Họ đang nói chuyện điện thoại. (They are talking on the phone.)

Synonyms

• Tiếp chuyện (verb): To receive and engage in conversation (often with a guest or visitor). It shares the polite connotation but can be used by a host.
• Đàm đạo (verb): To discuss, to converse (often on intellectual or profound topics). It is formal and implies a deep exchange.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: As a single verb, "hầu chuyện" is not typically broken into phrasal verb components in Vietnamese. Its usage is fixed.

Related Idioms

• Hầu thưa: A compound term meaning to attend to and respond respectfully (to elders/superiors), often encompassing both conversation and service. It highlights the aspect of respectful interaction.
  • Đứa trẻ ngoan ngoãn biết hầu thưa ông bà. (The well-behaved child knows how to attend to and speak respectfully to their grandparents.)

verb

1. to keep company with