thưa gửi
Definition
- Verb:
- To address respectfully: To speak to someone, especially a person of higher status or age, using polite and deferential forms of address and language. It emphasizes proper etiquette in communication.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Khi nói chuyện với ông bà, chúng ta phải biết thưa gửi. (When speaking to grandparents, we must know how to address them respectfully.)
- Cô ấy luôn thưa gửi rất lễ phép với thầy cô giáo. (She always addresses her teachers very politely and respectfully.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thưa gửi" is often used to describe the fundamental manner of speaking expected from a child or subordinate to an elder or superior. It is less about the specific content and more about the tone, use of honorifics, and overall attitude of deference.
Variants and Related Words
Thưa (v): to address politely; to report to (a superior). Often used as a polite prefix before a statement.
- Cháu thưa bác, bây giờ là 3 giờ. (I respectfully inform you, uncle, it is now 3 o'clock.)
Lễ phép (adj): polite, well-mannered. This is a common adjective describing the quality "thưa gửi" embodies.
- Đứa trẻ rất lễ phép. (The child is very polite.)
Synonyms
- To speak deferentially: To talk in a way that shows respect and submission to the listener's rank or age.
- To address with courtesy: To use polite forms of speech when talking to someone.
Related Concepts
- Kính trên nhường dưới: A Vietnamese idiom meaning "respect those above, yield to those below," which encapsulates the social hierarchy and polite communication that "thưa gửi" is a part of.
- Phép lịch sự: Politeness, good manners. This is the broader category of social behavior that includes "thưa gửi".