Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To finish writing (a letter or other written text): The act of concluding the writing of a letter, document, or other piece of writing. It is a formal or polite expression used to signal the end of a written message.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Sau những lời thăm hỏi, ông ấy đã ngừng bút. (After the greetings, he finished writing.)
  • Tôi xin ngừng bút tại đây. (I shall finish writing here.)
  • Thư đã dài, tôi xin phép được ngừng bút. (The letter is already long; I beg your permission to finish writing.)

Advanced Usage

• As a closing formula: Primarily used in formal or semi-formal letters, especially personal correspondence, to politely indicate the conclusion. It is often followed by well-wishes or a signature.
  • Xin ngừng bút. Chúc anh một ngày tốt lành. (I will finish writing now. Wishing you a good day.)
• Implied object: While the direct object (e.g., "bức thư" - the letter) is often omitted, it is understood from context. The phrase inherently refers to stopping the act of writing itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngừng (verb): To stop, to cease, to halt. The core verb meaning "to stop."
• Kết thúc (verb): To finish, to conclude, to end. A more general synonym for finishing any activity.
• Chấm dứt (verb): To terminate, to put an end to. Often used for more definitive endings.

Synonyms

• Kết thúc bức thư: To conclude the letter.
• Viết đến đây thôi: To stop writing here.

Related Phrases

• Dừng bút: A less common variant with the same meaning (to stop writing).
  • Đã khuya, tôi phải dừng bút. (It's late; I must stop writing.)

Related Idioms

• Xuống bút: To put pen to paper; to begin writing (contrasting meaning).
  • Sau nhiều ngày suy nghĩ, cuối cùng ông đã xuống bút. (After many days of thought, he finally put pen to paper.)

1. finish writing (a letter)