Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To declare war: To formally and publicly announce the commencement of hostilities against another nation or group, initiating a state of war.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà vua quyết định khai chiến với nước láng giềng. (The king decided to declare war on the neighboring country.)
  • Việc khai chiến thường là hành động ngoại giao cuối cùng. (Declaring war is often the final diplomatic action.)
  • Không quốc gia nào muốn là bên khai chiến trong hồ sơ lịch sử. (No nation wants to be the side that declares war in the historical record.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "khai chiến" is formal and is typically used in historical, political, or military contexts. It implies an official, sovereign act by a state or recognized authority.

Variants and Related Words

• Tuyên chiến (v): This is a direct synonym for "khai chiến," also meaning "to declare war." The terms are often used interchangeably.
  • Chính phủ đã tuyên chiến sau vụ tấn công. (The government declared war after the attack.)

Synonyms

• Declare war: To make a formal proclamation of a state of war.
• Commence hostilities: To begin acts of warfare.

Related Idioms

• Khai hỏa: To open fire; to shoot the first shot. This refers to the first military action, whereas "khai chiến" refers to the formal political declaration.
  • Đồn biên phòng đã khai hỏa để cảnh cáo. (The border post opened fire as a warning.)

1. Declare war