kính viếng

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pay one's respects (to the deceased): The primary meaning of "kính viếng" is to formally and respectfully visit or attend a funeral, wake, or memorial service to honor someone who has passed away. It implies a solemn act of remembrance and condolence.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gia đình và bạn bè đến kính viếng cụ ông. (Family and friends came to pay their respects to the elderly gentleman.)
  • Chúng tôi thành kính viếng người quá cố. (We reverently paid our respects to the deceased.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in the context of death and funerary rites. It carries a formal and solemn tone, indicating deep respect.

Variants and Related Words

• Viếng (v): to visit (often used for visiting the deceased or a grave). This is the core verb, with "kính" adding the layer of respect.
  • Mọi người đến viếng mộ. (People came to visit the grave.)
• Phúng viếng (v): a more formal compound meaning to attend a funeral and offer condolences, often involving bringing a funeral wreath or contribution.
  • Đoàn đại biểu đến phúng viếng. (The delegation came to offer formal condolences.)

Synonyms

• Pay one's respects: To express esteem or regard, especially to the deceased.
• Offer condolences: To express sympathy with someone in grief.

Related Idioms

• While "kính viếng" itself is not typically part of a common idiom, it is central to the formal phrase "kính viếng tang lễ" (to pay respects at a funeral ceremony).