thưa chuyện
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To broach a matter / To speak about an affair: The phrase "thưa chuyện" means to formally or respectfully initiate a conversation with someone, typically a superior or elder, in order to discuss a specific matter, request, or piece of business. It implies a courteous approach to a potentially serious or important topic.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Tôi cần thưa chuyện với ông chủ. (I need to speak with the boss about a matter.)
- Cô ấy đến nhà họ hàng để thưa chuyện. (She went to her relative's house to broach a subject.)
- Anh ấy xin phép được thưa chuyện. (He asked for permission to discuss an affair.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a formal or traditional nuance, used in contexts involving family discussions, business proposals, or seeking advice from elders. It is less common in casual, everyday speech.
Variants and Related Words
Thưa (v): to address respectfully, to report.
- Tôi muốn thưa với bác một điều. (I wish to respectfully tell you something, uncle.)
Trình bày (v): to present, to explain.
- Anh ấy trình bày vấn đề với giám đốc. (He presented the issue to the director.)
Synonyms
- To consult: to seek advice or information from someone.
- To propose a matter: to put forward a subject for discussion.
- To bring up a topic: to introduce a subject into conversation.
Related Idioms
- Thưa gửi: a polite compound meaning to respectfully tell or ask. It emphasizes the respectful nature of the communication.
- Cháu xin phép được thưa gửi đôi lời. (I respectfully ask for permission to say a few words.)