Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • But unfortunately, but unluckily: Used to express regret or disappointment about a situation that prevents something desired from happening. It introduces a contrasting clause that explains why something cannot be done or did not happen as planned.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Muốn đi nghỉ mát hiềm vì có việc đột xuất. (I wanted to go on holiday, but unfortunately there was some last-minute business.)
  • Anh ấy định đến thăm, hiềm vì trời mưa to quá. (He intended to visit, but unfortunately it was raining too heavily.)
  • Chúng tôi đã chuẩn bị xong, hiềm vì kế hoạch bị hủy. (We had finished preparing, but unluckily the plan was canceled.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hiềm vì" is a somewhat formal or literary conjunction. In modern, everyday spoken Vietnamese, phrases like "tiếc là vì" (it's a pity because) or simply "nhưng" (but) followed by a reason are more common.
  • Tôi muốn giúp, hiềm vì lực bất tòng tâm. (I want to help, but unfortunately my strength is insufficient [to match my will].) - This example shows its use in more formal or proverbial contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Hiềm (verb/noun): To bear a grudge; a grudge, resentment. (Note: This is the root word, but "hiềm vì" functions as a fixed conjunction with a distinct meaning.)
• Tiếc là / Tiếc rằng (conjunction): It's a pity that, unfortunately.
• Đáng tiếc là (conjunction): It is regrettable that.

Synonyms

• Nhưng không may là: But unluckily.
• Tiếc thay: Unfortunately, regrettably (more literary).

Related Phrases

• Hiềm một nỗi: A similar, slightly more archaic phrase meaning "the regrettable thing is that" or "the snag is that."
  • Cũng muốn đi, hiềm một nỗi không có tiền. (I also want to go, the regrettable thing is I don't have money.)

1. But infortunately
   • Muốn đi nghỉ mát hiềm vì có việc đột xuất
     I should have gone on holiday but unortunately there is some last minute businss