Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To treat kindly and generously, especially those in one's power: This term specifically refers to the act of showing leniency, hospitality, or generous treatment, most classically towards prisoners of war or captives, with an implication of mercy from a position of authority.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà vua ra lệnh khoan đãi tù binh. (The king ordered the prisoners of war to be treated kindly.)
  • Chính sách khoan đãi của vị tướng đã thu phục lòng người. (The general's policy of generous treatment won people's hearts.)

Advanced Usage

• While historically focused on prisoners, in modern usage, "khoan đãi" can be used in a broader, slightly literary sense to describe exceptionally generous or indulgent treatment.
  • Ông chủ mới khoan đãi nhân viên hơn. (The new boss treats the employees more generously.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khoan hồng (adj, v): to be lenient, to show clemency (often in a legal or punitive context).

  • Tòa án đã khoan hồng với bị cáo. (The court was lenient with the defendant.)

• Ưu đãi (v, n): to give preferential treatment; a privilege or preferential policy.

  • Khách hàng thân thiết được ưu đãi đặc biệt. (Loyal customers receive special preferential treatment.)

Synonyms

• Treat generously: To provide for someone in a liberal, kind way.
• Show leniency: To be less severe or strict than expected, often from a position of judgment or power.
• Be hospitable: To receive and entertain guests generously.

Related Idioms

• Lấy khoan đãi kẻ hàng: (An idiom stemming from military context) To treat those who surrender with generosity. This reflects a strategic or virtuous approach to securing loyalty after a conflict.

1. (cũ) Treat kindly (the prisoners for war...)