thừa ân
Definition
- Verb (archaic):
- To receive a favor/kindness: To be the beneficiary of a gracious act or kindness from someone else. It conveys a sense of receiving grace or benevolence.
- To be indebted: To be under an obligation of gratitude due to a received benefit.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Thừa ân một giấc canh tà. (To receive the kindness of a late-night vigil.)
- Chúng tôi mãi mãi thừa ân ngài. (We are forever indebted to you, sir.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily found in classical or literary Vietnamese and is rarely used in modern, everyday speech. It carries a formal and poetic tone, often related to themes of gratitude and moral debt.
Variants and Related Words
- Chịu ơn (v): to be under an obligation, to owe a debt of gratitude. This is the modern, more common equivalent.
- Tôi chịu ơn anh rất nhiều. (I owe you a great debt of gratitude.)
Synonyms
- Be indebted: To owe gratitude.
- Receive a boon: To receive a beneficial gift.
- Be obligated: To be bound by a social or moral duty due to a received favor.
Related Idioms
- Thừa ân tái tạo: To receive the grace of being reborn or saved (implying a profound, life-changing debt of gratitude).
- Ân nhân ấy, thực là thừa ân tái tạo. (That benefactor, it is truly like receiving the grace of rebirth.)