Definition

1. Verb:
   • To repay a favor / to return a kindness: The primary meaning of "trả ân" is to express gratitude and reciprocate when someone has done a good deed or shown significant kindness to you. It implies a sense of moral obligation to return the benefit received.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy đã giúp tôi trong lúc khó khăn, tôi nhất định sẽ tìm cách trả ân. (He helped me in a difficult time; I will definitely find a way to repay his kindness.)
  • Trả ân người đã cứu mạng là bổn phận của tôi. (Repaying the person who saved my life is my duty.)

Advanced Usage

• The concept of "trả ân" is deeply rooted in the cultural value of gratitude and reciprocal obligation. It often refers to repaying a significant, sometimes life-changing, favor, and can involve a long-term commitment.

Variants and Related Words

• Trả ơn (v): to give thanks, to repay a favor. This is the more common and general synonym for "trả ân."
  • Cô ấy mang quà đến để trả ơn. (She brought a gift to give thanks.)

Synonyms

• Repay a debt of gratitude: To return a favor out of thankfulness.
• Reciprocate a kindness: To respond to a kind act with a similar one.
• Requite: To make appropriate return for a benefit or service.

Related Idioms

• Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây: Literally "When eating the fruit, remember the person who planted the tree." This idiom teaches the principle of gratitude and is closely related to the spirit of "trả ân."
  • Câu chuyện đó dạy chúng ta phải biết ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây. (That story teaches us we must know to be grateful to our benefactors.)