Definition

1. Interjection:
   • Respectful address: A formal and respectful term used to begin a speech, letter, or announcement, typically directed at a superior, elder, or a distinguished audience. It is the standard opening salutation in formal Vietnamese correspondence and oration.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Kính thưa quý vị đại biểu, thưa toàn thể hội nghị. (Honorable delegates, respected conference attendees.)
  • Kính thưa thầy cô và các bạn học sinh thân mến! (Respected teachers and dear students!)
  • Trong một bức thư: Kính thưa ông chủ tịch... (In a letter: Dear Mr. Chairman...)

Advanced Usage

• "Kính thưa quý vị": A very common and formal phrase meaning "Ladies and Gentlemen" or "Honored guests/audience." It is used to address a general audience with high respect.

  • Kính thưa quý vị, chương trình xin phép được bắt đầu. (Ladies and Gentlemen, the program will now begin.)

• "Kính thưa" followed by titles: The term is almost always followed by the title(s) of the person(s) being addressed, such as ông, bà, thầy, cô, quý vị, các bạn.

  • Kính thưa Ban Giám hiệu, kính thưa các thầy cô giáo. (Respected Board of Administrators, respected teachers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thưa (Interjection): A less formal term of address, often used alone when speaking to someone of slightly higher status or in semi-formal situations. It can also be combined with kính for added formality.

  • Thưa mẹ, con đi học ạ. (Mother, I'm going to school.)

• Kính gửi (Phrase): Used specifically in written correspondence, meaning "Respectfully sent to" or "Dear." It is the standard opening for formal letters, placed before the recipient's name/title.

  • Kính gửi: Công ty ABC. (To: ABC Company.)

Synonyms

• Kính báo (Phrase): A formal term meaning "Respectfully announce," often used in official documents or announcements.
• Kính chào (Phrase): A respectful greeting, meaning "Respectful greetings."

Related Phrases

• "Kính thưa... thưa...": A common oratorical structure where addresses the main honored group(s), and subsequent addresses other important groups.
  • Kính thưa các vị đại biểu, thưa các đồng chí. (Honorable delegates, comrades.)

Related Idioms

• Mở lời bằng "kính thưa": To begin one's speech with "kính thưa." This implies starting a formal address with the proper, respectful etiquette.
  • Diễn giả mở lời bằng "kính thưa" toàn thể cử tọa. (The speaker began by respectfully addressing the entire audience.)