thế mạng
Definition
- Verb:
- To substitute one's life for another's: The act of voluntarily offering or giving one's own life in exchange for, or to redeem, the life of another person. This is a literal and sacrificial meaning.
- To take the blame or punishment for someone else: In a broader or more figurative sense, it can mean to accept severe consequences, punishment, or danger on behalf of another person.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Người anh hùng sẵn sàng thế mạng cho người dân. (The hero was ready to give his life for the people.)
- Trong câu chuyện, nhân vật chính thế mạng cho em trai mình. (In the story, the main character substitutes his life for his younger brother's.)
- Anh ấy không thể để bạn thế mạng cho lỗi lầm của mình. (He could not let his friend take the punishment for his mistake.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is most commonly found in historical, literary, or dramatic contexts, often involving themes of ultimate sacrifice, loyalty, or redemption. It is not used in everyday casual conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Chuộc mạng (v): to ransom a life; to pay a price to save someone's life. This focuses more on the act of redemption rather than direct substitution.
- Gia đình lo chuộc mạng cho con tin. (The family sought to ransom the hostage's life.)
Synonyms
- To sacrifice oneself for: To give up one's life for another.
- To take the fall for: (Figurative, informal) To accept blame or punishment for someone else's actions.
- To be a substitute for: To take the place of another, especially in a dangerous situation.
Related Idioms
- Thân thế mạng: This phrase emphasizes the act of putting one's own body and life in place of another's.
- Anh ấy dùng thân thế mạng cho chỉ huy. (He used his own body as a substitute for his commander's life.)