Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be in debt: To owe money to a person or institution as a result of borrowing.
   • To be indebted: To feel a moral or social obligation to someone for a favor or kindness received.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gia đình anh ấy đang mắc nợ ngân hàng một khoản lớn. (His family is in debt to the bank for a large sum.)
  • Tôi mắc nợ anh ấy vì sự giúp đỡ chân thành. (I am indebted to him for his sincere help.)
  • Công ty có nguy cơ mắc nợ nếu kinh doanh thua lỗ. (The company risks getting into debt if it operates at a loss.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can describe both financial obligations and figurative, non-monetary debts of gratitude.
• It often implies a state of being burdened or obligated by the debt.

Variants and Related Words

• Mắc công (v): To be indebted for a favor or effort (often used to thank someone for their trouble).

  • Cảm ơn, để anh mắc công quá. (Thank you, I've put you to too much trouble.)

• Nợ nần (n): Debts, liabilities.

  • Anh ta đang chìm trong nợ nần. (He is drowning in debts.)

Synonyms

• To owe: To be under obligation to pay or repay.
• To be in arrears: To be late in paying a debt.
• To be beholden: To owe thanks or have a duty to someone.

Related Idioms

• Mắc nợ đời: To feel indebted to life or fate; to feel one has unfulfilled obligations in life.

  • Cứ như thể tôi còn mắc nợ đời điều gì đó. (It's as if I still owe something to life.)

• Mắc nợ máu: To owe a blood debt; to be responsible for someone's death or serious injury.

  • Hắn mắc nợ máu với gia đình tôi. (He owes a blood debt to my family.)

1. to be in debt;to involte oneself in debt