Definition

1. Verb:
   • To depend on (somebody) for help; to rely on someone's assistance: The word "nhờ vả" describes the act of asking for and counting on another person's help, often for a specific need or favor. It implies a sense of reliance on the goodwill or capability of others.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy phải nhờ vả hàng xóm khi xe bị hỏng. (He had to depend on his neighbors for help when his car broke down.)
  • Trong lúc khó khăn, cô ấy không ngại nhờ vả bạn bè. (In times of difficulty, she is not afraid to ask friends for help.)
  • Nhờ vả bà con là điều bình thường trong cộng đồng này. (Depending on relatives for help is normal in this community.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a nuance of humility and acknowledges a debt of gratitude. It is used in contexts where the help sought is somewhat significant or necessary, not for trivial matters.
• It can sometimes imply a network of mutual support, especially within families or close-knit communities.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhờ (v): to ask for a favor; to request help. This is a more general and commonly used term than "nhờ vả."
  • Tôi nhờ anh ấy đóng cửa giúp. (I asked him to close the door for me.)
• Cậy nhờ (v): to rely or depend on (often with more emotional weight or deep trust).
  • Cậu ấy là người tôi có thể cậy nhờ. (He is someone I can truly rely on.)

Synonyms

• Rely on: to depend on with confidence.
• Depend on: to need someone or something for support or help.
• Count on: to rely on someone to do something.
• Seek help from: to ask for assistance.

Related Idioms

• While "nhờ vả" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept is central to phrases about mutual aid, such as the idea of "lá lành đùm lá rách" (the good leaves protect the torn leaves), which embodies the spirit of helping and being helped.

1. Depend on (somebody) for help
   • Nhờ vả bà con
     To depend on friends and nieghbours for help