Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To beg, to ask for something (especially money) with an open hand: The literal meaning describes the physical act of extending one's hand with the palm facing upward, typically to receive something. Figuratively, it implies a humble or submissive request, often for money or a favor, suggesting the person asking is in a position of need or lower status.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta không muốn ngửa tay xin tiền từ gia đình. (He does not want to beg for money from his family.)
  • Sau thất bại, ông ấy phải ngửa tay nhờ bạn bè giúp đỡ. (After the failure, he had to humbly ask his friends for help.)
  • Cô ấy ngửa tay đón nhận những đồng xu từ người qua đường. (She held out her open hand to receive coins from passersby.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngửa tay xin xỏ": to beg or plead for something, often with a connotation of being obsequious or persistently asking for small favors.
  • Hắn ta chỉ biết ngửa tay xin xỏ chứ không chịu tự lực cánh sinh. (He only knows how to beg and plead instead of striving for self-reliance.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xin (v): to ask for, to request. A more general and neutral term for asking.
• Cầu xin (v): to beg, to implore. Emphasizes a more earnest or desperate plea.
• Khất thực (v): to beg for alms (specifically used for monks or religious mendicants).

Synonyms

• Van xin: to beseech, to implore earnestly.
• Nài xin: to entreat, to plead persistently.

Related Idioms

• "Ngửa tay ăn sẵn": to live off others, to be dependent on handouts without making an effort.
  • Anh ta đã quen với lối sống ngửa tay ăn sẵn. (He is accustomed to a lifestyle of living off others.)
• "Chìa tay xin": to extend one's hand to ask for something. A more literal synonym.
  • Đứa trẻ chìa tay xin thức ăn. (The child extended its hand to ask for food.)

1. Beg
   • Ngửa tay xin tiền
     To beg for money