lạy

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The Vietnamese word "lạy" is a verb that has a few important meanings, primarily related to showing respect or devotion. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Basic Meaning

1. To Prostrate Oneself: "Lạy" means to lower oneself in a position of respect, often by kneeling or lying flat on the ground. This action is usually done in front of someone of higher status or authority, such as a parent, elder, or religious figure.

   • Example: "Lạy người nào" means "to prostrate oneself before someone," showing deep respect or submission.

2. To Pray: "Lạy" can also mean to pray or worship, especially in a religious context.

   • Example: "Lạy trời" means "to pray to God," indicating a plea or request for help or guidance.

Usage Instructions

• Use "lạy" when you want to express deep respect or when you are engaging in a religious act, such as praying. It is often accompanied by gestures, such as kneeling or bowing.

Advanced Usage

• In religious ceremonies or traditional practices, "lạy" is often performed multiple times, indicating the level of respect or devotion. For example, during a Buddhist ceremony, people may "lạy" the Buddha several times as part of their worship.

Word Variants

• Lạy lục: This phrase means to pay respect multiple times, often seen in certain cultural or religious contexts where one bows several times.
• Lạy bái: This variant emphasizes the act of bowing in worship or homage, often used in formal situations.

Different Meanings

• While "lạy" primarily emphasizes respect and worship, it can also convey a sense of humility or submission in various contexts.

Synonyms

• Quỳ: This word means to kneel, which is similar to "lạy" but does not necessarily imply lying flat.
• Cúi: This verb means to bow, indicating a gesture of respect but may not involve the full prostration associated with "lạy."

Summary

In summary, "lạy" is an important term in Vietnamese culture that embodies respect, humility, and devotion, especially in religious contexts.

Academic

verb

1. to prostrate oneself; to kowtow
   • lạy người nào
     to prostrate oneself before someone. to pray
   • lạy Trời
     to pray to God