tu tỉnh

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To repent and reform: To become aware of one's own faults or mistakes and sincerely resolve to correct them and improve one's behavior. It implies a deep, introspective realization leading to moral self-correction.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • Sau một biến cố lớn, anh ấy đã tu tỉnh và trở thành một người tốt. (After a major incident, he repented and reformed, becoming a good person.)
    • Cô ấy hy vọng lời khuyên chân thành sẽ giúp nó tu tỉnh. (She hopes the sincere advice will help him see the error of his ways and mend them.)
    • Nhờ có sự giúp đỡ, hắn đã tu tỉnh, không còn sống lang thang nữa. (Thanks to the help, he turned over a new leaf and no longer lived a vagrant life.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term carries a strong moral or ethical connotation, often used in contexts involving significant personal failings, a wayward past, or spiritual awakening. It is more profound than simply "apologizing" and involves a lasting change in character.
Synonyms
  • To repent and reform: The closest direct translation, emphasizing both regret and change.
  • To mend one's ways: To improve one's behavior after it has been bad.
  • To turn over a new leaf: To start behaving in a better way.
  • To see the error of one's ways: To realize one has been wrong and decide to change.
Related Idioms
  • "Ăn năn hối cải": To feel remorse and repent. This phrase is very close in meaning but often places slightly more emphasis on the feeling of regret () that precedes the reform ().
    • Sau khi gây ra tai nạn, tài xế ăn năn hối cải và thành khẩn nhận lỗi. (After causing the accident, the driver felt deep remorse and repented, sincerely admitting his fault.)