thay lời
Definition
- Phrase:
- To speak on behalf of (someone); to say something in someone else's place: The core meaning of "thay lời" is to express words or sentiments that another person might say, or that are appropriate for them, often because they are unable, unwilling, or it is not their place to speak. It involves being a proxy for someone's voice or message.
- To convey a message for; to express the feelings/thoughts of: It can also mean to articulate a message, emotion, or idea that is representative of another person or a group.
Usage Examples
- Phrase:
- Tôi xin được thay lời toàn thể công ty để cảm ơn bạn. (I would like, on behalf of the entire company, to thank you.)
- Bức thư này thay lời xin lỗi của anh ấy. (This letter serves as his apology. / This letter speaks his apology for him.)
- Bài hát này như thay lời tâm sự của một thế hệ. (This song is like conveying the confidences of a generation.)
Advanced Usage
- "thay lời muốn nói": to express what (someone) wants to say; to be the words (someone) is looking for.
- Bạn đã thay lời muốn nói của rất nhiều người. (You have expressed what many people wanted to say.)
Variants and Related Words
- Thay mặt (v): to represent, to act on behalf of (an organization or group). While "thay mặt" is broader (representing in action), "thay lời" is specific to speech and communication.
- Ông ấy thay mặt đoàn đàm phán. (He represents the negotiation delegation.)
Synonyms
- On behalf of: as a representative of.
- In place of: instead of (someone, specifically for speaking).
- To convey for: to communicate a message for another.
Related Idioms
- Thay lời non nước: to speak for the country; to express national sentiment (a poetic and formal idiom).
- Nhà thơ thay lời non nước kêu gọi đoàn kết. (The poet, giving voice to the nation, called for unity.)