Definition

1. Verb Phrase:
   • To live away from one's homeland: The primary meaning of "tha phương" is to reside in a place other than one's native village, hometown, or country. It carries a connotation of displacement, often due to necessity, and implies a sense of longing or hardship.

Usage Examples

• Verb Phrase:
  • Ông ấy đã phải tha phương lập nghiệp từ khi còn trẻ. (He had to leave his homeland to make a living since he was young.)
  • Nhiều người tha phương luôn nhớ về quê hương. (Many people living away from home always remember their homeland.)

Advanced Usage

• "tha phương cầu thực": This is a fixed, classical four-word idiom meaning "to leave one's native place to seek a livelihood" or "to live as an exile to earn one's living." It strongly emphasizes the aspect of economic necessity.
  • Câu chuyện kể về những người nông dân tha phương cầu thực. (The story tells of farmers who left their homeland to seek a livelihood.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ly hương (v): to leave one's homeland. This is a more formal or literary synonym.
  • Số phận của những kẻ ly hương. (The fate of those who left their homeland.)

Synonyms

• To live in exile: Often implies being forced to leave.
• To live away from home: A more neutral, general term.
• To sojourn: Suggests a temporary stay away from home.

Related Idioms

• "Tha phương cầu thực": As detailed above, this is the most common and complete idiom associated with "tha phương." It encapsulates the core concept of leaving home out of necessity to find work or sustenance.