tống biệt

Definition

Verb: - To see off, to bid farewell: The act of accompanying someone to their point of departure (e.g., a station, port, airport) to say goodbye, often with a sense of ceremony or finality, especially for a long journey or separation. It carries a formal, respectful, and sometimes solemn tone.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the formal act of farewell. It is more ceremonious and final than the more common "tiễn" (to see off). It is often used in literary, formal, or older contexts. - The subject is the person/people performing the farewell. - The object is the person/people departing.

Usage Examples

(He went to the station to see off his friend who is about to study abroad.)
(The whole family stood at the gate to see me off.)
(They held a small party to bid farewell to a colleague who is about to retire.)

Advanced Usage

Tống biệt implies a sense of ceremony and is often used for significant, potentially long-term departures. It can evoke a feeling of nostalgia or sadness.
In modern, casual conversation, "tiễn" is more frequently used. "Tống biệt" may sound somewhat literary or formal.

Variants and Related Words

Tiễn (đưa) (verb): To see off, to accompany someone on their departure. This is the more common, general, and neutral synonym.
Từ biệt (verb): To bid farewell, to say goodbye. This focuses more on the act of saying goodbye itself rather than the accompanying action.
Biệt ly (noun): Separation, parting. Refers to the state or event of being separated.

Synonyms

To see off: The most direct equivalent.
To bid farewell: Emphasizes the verbal act of saying goodbye.
To send off: Similar to "see off," often used for group farewells.

Related Phrases / Idioms

Lời tống biệt (noun phrase): Farewell words, a farewell speech.
- Anh ấy nói vài lời tống biệt trước khi lên tàu. (He said a few words of farewell before boarding the train.)
Bữa cơm tống biệt: A farewell meal.
- Chúng tôi có một bữa cơm tống biệt ấm cúng cho anh ấy. (We had a warm farewell meal for him.)

verb

to see off