thỉnh an
Definition
- Verb (archaic, formal):
- To inquire after someone's health (of a superior): A respectful and formal act of asking about the well-being or health of someone of higher status, such as an elder, a teacher, or a senior official. It implies a ritual or ceremonial inquiry.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Sáng sớm, các môn đồ đến thỉnh an thầy. (Early in the morning, the disciples came to inquire after their master's health.)
- Theo lệ cũ, con cháu phải thỉnh an ông bà vào mỗi dịp đầu năm. (According to old custom, grandchildren must inquire after their grandparents' health at the start of each new year.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in historical, literary, or highly formal/ceremonial contexts. It is rarely used in modern everyday conversation, where "hỏi thăm sức khỏe" or "thăm hỏi" are more common.
Variants and Related Words
- Vấn an (v): A near-synonymous, also formal verb meaning to inquire after someone's health and peace.
- Tôi xin phép được vấn an ngài. (I beg permission to inquire after your well-being, sir.)
Synonyms
- To pay one's respects (by inquiring about health): To show deference through a health inquiry.
- To inquire after someone's well-being: A more general modern equivalent, though lacking the hierarchical nuance.
Related Idioms
- Thỉnh an thăm viếng: Refers to the formal practices of inquiring after health and paying visits.
- Công việc thỉnh an thăm viếng là một phần của lễ nghi. (The work of formal health inquiries and visits is part of the ceremonial rites.)