thi ân
Definition
- Verb:
- To bestow a favor/grace: The act of voluntarily conferring a benefit, kindness, or mercy upon someone else, often from a position of perceived higher status or greater means.
- To grant a boon: An archaic or formal term for giving a gift or favor, often implying a charitable or magnanimous gesture.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Nhà vua thi ân cho toàn dân. (The king bestowed his grace upon all the people.)
- Ông ấy thi ân bằng cách tha mạng cho kẻ thù. (He granted a favor by sparing his enemy's life.)
- Thi ân không nên mong được báo đáp. (To bestow a favor, one should not expect repayment.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thi ân" often carries a formal, literary, or slightly archaic tone. It is frequently used in historical, religious, or philosophical contexts to describe acts of benevolence from a superior (e.g., a ruler, deity, or benefactor) to an inferior.
- It can imply a sense of gracious condescension, where the act is seen as a gift, not an obligation.
Variants and Related Words
Ban ơn (v): to grant a favor/grace. This is a more common and direct synonym.
- Vị thần ban ơn cho người dân. (The deity granted a favor to the people.)
Ân huệ (n): favor, grace, benevolence. The noun form referring to the favor itself.
- Ông ta nhận được nhiều ân huệ. (He received many favors.)
Synonyms
- Bestow favor: To confer a kindness as a gift.
- Grant a boon: To give a beneficial gift, often in response to a request.
- Show benevolence: To act in a kind and generous manner.
Related Idioms
Thi ân bố đức: To bestow favors and spread virtue. This phrase emphasizes widespread, charitable benevolence.
- Vị lãnh đạo được ca ngợi vì thi ân bố đức. (The leader is praised for bestowing favors and spreading virtue.)
Làm ơn: to do a favor. This is a much more common, everyday phrase for helping someone.
- Anh làm ơn giúp tôi một chút. (Could you please do me a favor?)