mời cơm
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To invite someone to eat a meal (specifically rice/ a meal): A polite and formal expression used to ask or invite someone to begin eating or to join you for a meal. It emphasizes hospitality and good manners.
- To offer food (as a host): The act of a host courteously offering the meal to guests, encouraging them to partake.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Mọi người đã đến đông đủ, mời cơm! (Everyone is here, please eat!)
- Chị chủ nhà nói: "Mời cả nhà dùng cơm." (The hostess said: "I invite the whole family to eat.")
- Ông ấy lịch sự mời cơm các vị khách. (He politely invited the guests to eat.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in a set, formal context. A common full expression is "Mời anh/chị/bác... dùng cơm" or "Mời mọi người dùng cơm" (I invite you/everyone to eat the meal).
- It can be shortened to just "Mời cơm!" as a declarative invitation to start the meal, equivalent to "Let's eat!" but more formal.
Variants and Related Words
- Mời ăn cơm (verb phrase): A slightly more explicit variant with the same meaning.
- Bà nội mời cả nhà ăn cơm. (Grandmother invited the whole family to eat.)
- Mời dùng bữa (verb phrase): A more general and formal phrase meaning "to invite to have a meal," where "bữa" (meal) can replace "cơm" (rice/meal).
- Xin mời quý vị dùng bữa. (Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy the meal.)
Synonyms
- Invite to dine: To ask someone formally to eat a meal.
- Offer a meal: To present food to someone hospitably.
- Bid someone to eat: A courteous exhortation to begin eating.
Related Cultural Notes
- "Mời cơm" is a key phrase in Vietnamese dining etiquette, reflecting respect and consideration for others at the table. The host typically says this to guests, and younger people say it to elders before starting their own meal.
- It is considered impolite to begin eating before this invitation is given or without saying a brief "Mời..." to elders at the table.