Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pledge marriage; to promise to wed: The primary meaning of "kết tóc" is to make a formal vow or pledge to marry each other. It originates from an ancient betrothal custom.
   • To bind one's hair together: Literally, it refers to the symbolic act of tying or binding two people's hair together, representing the inseparable union of marriage.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Họ đã kết tóc từ thuở còn trẻ. (They pledged to marry each other from a young age.)
  • Truyền thuyết kể về hai người yêu nhau đã kết tóc dưới trăng. (The legend tells of two lovers who bound their hair together under the moon.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is deeply poetic and archaic. It is rarely used in modern daily conversation but appears in literature, poetry, and historical contexts to evoke a sense of eternal, traditional commitment.
• It describes the moment or act of formal betrothal, often seen as more binding than a modern engagement.

Variants and Related Words

• Kết duyên (v): to form a marital bond; to marry.
  • Họ kết duyên trong một lễ cưới đơn sơ. (They married in a simple wedding ceremony.)
• Kết hôn (v): to marry; to get married (modern and common term).
  • Họ sẽ kết hôn vào tháng tới. (They will get married next month.)

Synonyms

• To betroth: to formally promise to marry.
• To pledge one's troth: to make a solemn pledge of marriage (archaic).
• To vow to marry: to make a marriage vow.

Related Idioms

• Kết tóc xe tơ: This is the full, classic poetic phrase meaning "to bind hair and twist silk," symbolizing the intricate and strong bonds of marriage.
  • Câu chuyện cổ tích về một đôi trai gái kết tóc xe tơ. (The fairy tale about a young couple who bound their hair and twisted silk.)