Definition

1. Verb:
   • To curse / to imprecate: To utter a wish or invocation for evil, misfortune, or harm to befall someone or something. This is the primary and most common meaning.
   • To vow / to pledge (archaic or poetic): In classical and poetic contexts, it can be synonymous with "nguyện" (to vow), expressing a solemn promise or oath.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to curse):
  • Bà cụ nguyền kẻ trộm. (The old woman cursed the thief.)
  • Anh ta nguyền rủa số phận của mình. (He cursed his fate.)
• Verb (to vow - poetic):
  • Họ nguyền sống chết có nhau. (They vowed to be together in life and death.)

Advanced Usage

• "nguyền rủa": This is the most frequent compound form, intensifying the meaning to "to curse vehemently" or "to execrate."
  • Nhân vật phản diện không ngừng nguyền rủa người hùng. (The villain incessantly cursed the hero.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lời nguyền (n): a curse (as a noun), a spell.
  • Lời nguyền ngàn năm đã được giải. (The thousand-year curse was broken.)
• Nguyện (v): to vow, to pledge. This is the more standard modern word for making a vow, without the connotation of cursing.

Synonyms

• Curse: to invoke evil upon.
• Imprecate: to utter a curse.
• Execrate: to feel or express great loathing for; to curse.
• Vow (archaic/poetic synonym): to solemnly promise.

Related Idioms

• Nguyền rủa trong hơi thở cuối cùng: To curse with one's dying breath.
  • Kẻ phản bội bị nguyền rủa trong hơi thở cuối cùng của nạn nhân. (The traitor was cursed with the victim's dying breath.)