thưa thốt
Definition
- Verb (archaic, formal):
- To speak; to address; to voice one's opinion. This term refers to the act of formally or respectfully presenting one's thoughts or words, especially in a context where one is expected to speak up if they have knowledge. It carries a connotation of proper and considered speech.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Biết thì thưa thốt, không biết thì dựa cột mà nghe. (If you know, speak up; if you don't know, lean against the pillar and listen.)
- Trong buổi họp, anh ấy dám thưa thốt vài ý kiến. (During the meeting, he dared to voice a few opinions.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thưa thốt" is primarily used in proverbs, formal sayings, or literary contexts. In modern, everyday conversation, simpler verbs like "nói" (to speak) or "phát biểu" (to state) are more common.
Variants and Related Words
- Thưa (v): to address someone respectfully; to reply or speak in a polite manner.
- Cháu thưa với bà. (The grandchild speaks to the grandmother [respectfully].)
- Thốt (v, literary): to utter, to speak (often used in compound words or classical texts).
- Thốt lên lời. (To utter words.)
Synonyms
- Speak up: to express one's opinion openly.
- Voice: to express something in words.
- Address: to speak to someone formally.
Related Idioms
- Biết thì thưa thốt, không biết thì dựa cột mà nghe: A proverb meaning "Speak if you have knowledge; if not, be silent and listen." It emphasizes the value of knowledgeable speech and humble silence.