khoản trà
Definition
- Noun:
- Tea money; a small sum of money offered for tea: A nominal amount of money given as a gesture of goodwill, courtesy, or thanks, often in contexts involving small services, favors, or informal assistance. The term originates from the custom of offering money to buy tea, symbolizing a token of appreciation rather than a formal payment or bribe.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Anh ấy giúp tôi sửa xe và tôi đưa một ít khoản trà để cảm ơn. (He helped me fix my car and I gave him some tea money as thanks.)
- Đây chỉ là khoản trà nhỏ, mong anh nhận cho. (This is just a small token for tea, please accept it.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "khoản trà" is deeply rooted in Vietnamese social etiquette. It is not considered a bribe when the amount is small and the intent is purely to show gratitude for a casual, non-obligatory favor. It helps maintain harmonious social relationships.
Variants and Related Words
- Phong bì (n): envelope. Often used euphemistically to refer to money given in an envelope, which can range from a legitimate gift or tip to an illicit payment, depending on context.
- Tiền tip (n): tip, gratuity. A more direct and modern term for money given for service.
Synonyms
- Token of appreciation: A small gift or sum of money given to express thanks.
- Courtesy payment: A nominal payment made out of politeness.
Related Idioms
- While "khoản trà" is itself a fixed phrase, it relates to the cultural practice of showing gratitude through small, material gestures rather than just words.