Definition

1. Verb:
   • To explain apologetically; to clarify in a defensive or exculpatory manner: To present the details or reasons for one's actions or a situation, often with the intent to justify oneself, clear up a misunderstanding, or offer an apology within the explanation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy phân trần với sếp về lý do đi muộn. (She explained apologetically to her boss about the reason for being late.)
  • Anh ấy đã phân trần rằng mình không hề biết chuyện đó. (He clarified apologetically that he did not know about that matter at all.)
  • Tôi muốn phân trần đôi lời trước sự hiểu lầm này. (I would like to say a few words to explain apologetically regarding this misunderstanding.)

Advanced Usage

• The act of phân trần often carries a nuanced tone of pleading one's case or offering a defense. It is not merely a neutral explanation but implies that the speaker feels accused, misunderstood, or needs to regain trust.

Variants and Related Words

• Giải thích (v): To explain. (A more neutral term without the inherent apologetic or defensive connotation.)
• Thanh minh (v): To vindicate oneself; to protest one's innocence.
• Biện bạch (v): To argue in defense; to plead one's case (can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of making excuses).

Synonyms

• To explain oneself
• To clarify defensively
• To offer an explanatory apology
• To plead one's case

Related Idioms

• Phân trần năn nỉ: To explain and plead earnestly.
  • Cậu ấy phân trần năn nỉ xin sự tha thứ. (He explained and pleaded earnestly for forgiveness.)

1. Clarigy apologetically, explain apologetically (some matter)