Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person's lifetime, especially when referring to someone who is now deceased: The word "mồ ma" specifically refers to the period when a person was alive, used in the context of talking about them after their death. It carries a slightly informal or colloquial tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hồi còn mồ ma anh ta, anh ấy là một người rất hào phóng. (In his lifetime, he was a very generous man.)
  • Hồi còn mồ ma bà nội tôi, bà thường dạy tôi những bài học quý giá. (Back in my grandmother's lifetime, she often taught me valuable lessons.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in the fixed structure "hồi còn mồ ma (của) + [person]" (back in the lifetime of [person]). It is used to reminisce or tell stories about a deceased person.
  • Hồi còn mồ ma của ông chủ cũ, công ty này rất phát đạt. (Back in the lifetime of the old boss, this company was very prosperous.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sinh thời (noun): Lifetime. This is a more formal and neutral synonym.
  • Hồi sinh thời, ông ấy là một nhà khoa học lỗi lạc. (In his lifetime, he was a brilliant scientist.)
• Khi còn sống (phrase): When (he/she/they) was/were still alive. A more direct and common phrase.
  • Khi bà còn sống, bà rất thích làm vườn. (When she was still alive, she loved gardening.)

Synonyms

• Thời gian còn sống: The time (someone) was alive.
• Lúc sinh thời: During one's lifetime (more formal).

Notes on Usage

• "Mồ ma" is considered somewhat informal and is rooted in colloquial Vietnamese. It is not typically used in formal writing.
• The word evokes a sense of nostalgia or storytelling about the past and the deceased.
• It is important to use this word respectfully, as it directly refers to a person who has passed away.

1. (some dead person's) lifetime
   • Hồi còn mồ ma anh ta
     In his lifetime