hạ tứ
Definition
- Verb (literary, formal):
- To bestow (from a superior to an inferior): To grant or confer something, such as a favor, gift, or title, from a person of higher status or authority downward.
- To deign to give: To condescend to grant something, emphasizing the graciousness of the giver due to their higher position.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Nhà vua hạ tứ cho thần dân nhiều ân huệ. (The king bestowed many favors upon his subjects.)
- Ngài đã hạ tứ lời khen cho kẻ hèn này. (He deigned to give praise to this humble person.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "hạ tứ" is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or highly formal contexts, often related to royalty, nobility, or deities granting something to those beneath them. It is not used in everyday modern conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Ban (v): to grant, to give (formal, but more common than "hạ tứ").
- Vua ban chiếu chỉ. (The king issued a decree.)
- Ban cho (v): to bestow upon.
- Bà đã ban cho tôi cơ hội. (She bestowed an opportunity upon me.)
Synonyms
- Bestow: To confer or present (an honor, gift, etc.).
- Grant: To agree to give or allow.
- Confer: To grant or bestow (a title, benefit, etc.).
- Vouchsafe (literary): To give or grant (something) in a condescending manner.
Related Idioms
- Hạ cố: to condescend; to lower oneself (to interact with or notice someone of lower status). While "hạ tứ" focuses on giving an object or favor, "hạ cố" focuses on the act of attention itself.
- Ông chủ hạ cố gặp nhân viên. (The boss condescended to meet the employee.)