trời đánh
Definition
Noun phrase (idiomatic):
- Heaven's strike / Divine punishment: A severe, often sudden, misfortune or calamity believed to be inflicted by heaven as punishment for a grave wrongdoing or immoral act.
- An oath or curse: Used as an exclamation to express strong condemnation, anger, or to swear an oath, e.g., "May heaven strike me if...".
Interjection:
- "Damn it!" / "Good heavens!": An exclamatory phrase expressing shock, frustration, or strong emphasis, though its literal meaning implies a wish for divine retribution.
Usage Examples
Noun phrase:
- Làm điều ác ắt sẽ bị trời đánh. (Those who do evil will surely face heaven's strike.)
- Trời đánh còn tránh miếng ăn. (Even divine punishment avoids interrupting a meal. / Used to say one should not be disturbed while eating.)
Interjection (as a curse/oath):
- Trời đánh thằng ăn cắp! (Damn that thief! / May heaven strike that thief!)
- Trời đánh, tôi quên ví ở nhà! (Good heavens, I forgot my wallet at home!)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is deeply rooted in the concept of cosmic justice in Vietnamese folk belief, where "trời" (heaven/sky) is a moral authority.
- It can be used humorously or hyperbolically in modern contexts to scold someone for a minor mistake, though it retains its serious connotation.
Variants and Related Words
- Trời phạt (v/n): To be punished by heaven; divine punishment. A close synonym with a similar meaning.
- Kẻ phản bội ắt bị trời phạt. (The betrayer will surely be punished by heaven.)
Synonyms
- Divine retribution: Punishment inflicted by a divine power.
- Curse: A solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm.
- Damnation: Condemnation to eternal punishment.
Related Idioms
Trời đánh còn tránh bữa ăn: (Even heaven's strike avoids meal times). An idiom emphasizing the sacred, uninterrupted nature of a meal.
- Đợi tôi ăn xong đã, trời đánh còn tránh bữa ăn mà. (Wait until I finish eating; even divine punishment avoids meal times.)
Trời đánh thánh vật: (Heaven strikes, saints beat). An intensified expression of condemnation or curse.
- Trời đánh thánh vật thằng bất nhân đó! (May heaven and saints strike that inhuman scoundrel!)