Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To find shelter, to take refuge: The phrase "nương thân" describes the action of seeking and staying in a safe place for protection from danger, hardship, or unfavorable conditions. It implies a temporary reliance on a person or place for safety and survival.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Trong cơn bão, họ phải nương thân trong một ngôi chùa cổ. (During the storm, they had to find shelter in an ancient pagoda.)
  • Cô ấy nương thân nơi nhà người bạn tốt khi gặp khó khăn. (She took refuge at a good friend's house when she encountered difficulties.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nương thân cửa Phật": To take refuge in Buddhism/a pagoda; often implies seeking spiritual solace or a temporary haven in a religious institution.

  • Sau biến cố, ông ấy quyết định nương thân cửa Phật. (After the incident, he decided to take refuge in Buddhism.)

• "Nương thân nhờ cậy": To rely on someone for shelter and support.

  • Đứa trẻ mồ côi phải nương thân nhờ cậy họ hàng. (The orphan child had to rely on relatives for shelter.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nương náu (verb phrase): To take shelter, to seek refuge. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "nương thân".

  • Họ nương náu trong hang động để tránh mưa. (They took shelter in a cave to avoid the rain.)

• Nương tựa (verb): To lean on, to depend on (often emotionally or for support).

  • Cô ấy nương tựa vào gia đình trong lúc buồn. (She leaned on her family during her time of sadness.)

Synonyms

• Trú ẩn: To take shelter, to harbor. Emphasizes the act of staying in a shelter.
• Ẩn náu: To hide, to take cover. Often implies hiding for safety or secrecy.

Related Phrases

• Manh áo nương thân: (Idiomatic) Literally "a piece of clothing to shelter oneself"; metaphorically refers to a meager means of survival or a humble job that provides basic sustenance.

  • Công việc ấy chỉ là manh áo nương thân. (That job is just a meager means to get by.)

• Chốn nương thân: A place of refuge, a shelter.

  • Ngôi nhà nhỏ là chốn nương thân duy nhất của họ. (The small house was their only place of refuge.)

1. Find shelter