Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To pass away (of a monarch): A formal, historical, and respectful term used exclusively to announce the death of a king, emperor, or sovereign ruler. It is the Vietnamese equivalent of the English phrase "to ascend to heaven" in a royal context.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà vua đã thăng hà ở tuổi 75. (The king passed away at the age of 75.)
  • Tin tức hoàng đế thăng hà khiến cả nước thương tiếc. (The news of the emperor's passing caused national mourning.)
  • Sau khi vị vua cũ thăng hà, hoàng tử đã lên ngôi. (After the old king passed away, the prince ascended the throne.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "thăng hà" is archaic and is primarily found in historical texts, literature, or formal announcements. In modern contexts, the more common term for a monarch's death is "băng hà", which carries the same meaning and level of formality.

Variants and Related Words

• Băng hà (v): To pass away (of a monarch). A synonym for "thăng hà", more frequently used in both historical and contemporary formal language.
  • Triều đại chấm dứt khi vị vua cuối cùng băng hà. (The dynasty ended when the last king passed away.)

Synonyms

• To pass away: A general, respectful term for death, specified here for royalty.
• To demise (archaic): A formal term for death, often used for high-ranking figures.

Notes on Usage

• "Thăng hà" is used only for sovereign rulers (kings, emperors). It is not used for presidents, prime ministers, or other non-royal leaders.
• The subject of the verb must always be a monarch. It is an intransitive verb and is never used in the passive voice.
• This word belongs to a very formal register and is not used in everyday conversation.