Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Impolite, discourteous: "thất lễ" describes behavior that fails to observe proper etiquette, manners, or respect when interacting with others. It implies a breach of social or hierarchical decorum.

Usage

• "Thất lễ" is used to criticize or acknowledge a lack of politeness or respect in social interactions. It often carries a tone of regret or apology when one recognizes their own fault.
• It is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially when referring to behavior towards elders, superiors, guests, or teachers.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi xin lỗi vì đã thất lễ với ngài. (I apologize for being impolite to you, sir.)
  • Học sinh đó bị khiển trách vì thất lễ với giáo viên. (That student was reprimanded for being discourteous to the teacher.)
  • Cư xử như vậy là rất thất lễ. (Behaving like that is very impolite.)

Advanced Usage

• "Xin thất lễ": A formal phrase used to preface an apology for one's own impolite behavior. It translates to "Please excuse my impoliteness" or "I beg your pardon for my discourtesy."
  • Xin thất lễ, tôi không thể tham dự buổi họp. (Please excuse my discourtesy, I cannot attend the meeting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bất lịch sự (adj): Rude, ill-mannered. This is a more general synonym for impolite behavior.
• Vô lễ (adj): Disrespectful, irreverent. This term often implies a more severe lack of respect, especially towards authority or tradition.
• Thiếu lễ độ (adj): Lacking in manners/propriety. Similar in meaning to "thất lễ."

Synonyms

• Khiếm nhã: Indecorous, lacking in grace or propriety.
• Vô phép: Without permission/manners (often used by elders to scold younger people).

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Thất lễ" specifically refers to a failure in (ritual, propriety, etiquette). Its meaning is deeply connected to cultural concepts of respect and hierarchical relationships in Vietnamese society. It is not simply "rude" but implies a deviation from expected formal conduct.

adj

1. impolite