Definition

1. Verb:
   • To explain oneself; to try to justify one's actions or clarify one's position: The act of speaking out to let others know the truth or one's perspective, in order to dispel suspicion, misunderstanding, or blame directed at oneself.
   • To plead one's case; to offer an explanation: To present reasons or arguments to defend one's actions or situation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy cố gắng phân bua với sếp về lý do đi muộn. (He tried to explain himself to his boss about the reason for being late.)
  • Cô ấy phân bua rằng mình không hề biết chuyện đó. (She pleaded that she had no knowledge of that matter.)
  • Đừng vội trách cứ, hãy nghe anh ta phân bua đã. (Don't blame him hastily; let's hear him explain his side first.)

Advanced Usage

• "phân bua cho mình": to explain/justify oneself.
  • Trước tòa, bị cáo đã phân bua cho mình rất nhiều. (In court, the defendant explained himself at great length.)
• "phân bua với ai đó": to explain/plead with someone.
  • Cậu bé phân bua với mẹ rằng mình không làm vỡ lọ hoa. (The boy explained to his mother that he didn't break the vase.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phân vua (verb): A variant form with the same meaning as "phân bua". This form is less common in modern usage.
  • Ông ấy phân vua mãi nhưng chẳng ai tin. (He explained himself for a long time, but no one believed him.)
• Biện bạch (verb): To argue in defense; to plead. This is a more formal synonym.
• Giải thích (verb): To explain. This is a more general term for providing an explanation, not necessarily to dispel blame.
• Thanh minh (verb): To vindicate oneself; to clear one's name. Often used when one's reputation is at stake.

Synonyms

• Giải trình: to explain, to account for (often in a formal context).
• Biện minh: to justify, to defend (with reasoning).
• Cãi (in some contexts): to argue. (Note: "cãi" can imply arguing back and is less about calm explanation than "phân bua").

Related Phrases

• Phân trần (verb): To confide, to explain one's innermost thoughts or difficulties. This implies a more heartfelt or detailed explanation, often to seek understanding or sympathy.
  • Cô ấy phân trần với bạn thân về hoàn cảnh khó khăn của mình. (She confided in her close friend about her difficult situation.)

Related Idioms

• "Chân thành phân bua": to explain sincerely/earnestly.
  • Với thái độ chân thành phân bua, cuối cùng anh ta cũng được thông cảm. (With an attitude of sincere explanation, he was finally understood.)
• "Phân bua đủ đường": to try every way to explain/justify (oneself).
  • Cô ấy phân bua đủ đường nhưng sự việc đã quá rõ ràng. (She tried every way to explain herself, but the matter was already too clear.)

1. cũng nói phân vua