tâu bày
Definition
- Verb:
- To present (to a superior): To formally explain, report, or lay out a matter before a king, emperor, or a person of very high authority. It implies a respectful and often detailed exposition.
- To petition or plead (before royalty): To make a formal request or statement to a monarch, often involving explanation or justification.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Quan đại thần tâu bày mọi việc trong triều cho nhà vua. (The high-ranking official presented all court affairs to the king.)
- Người dân kéo đến kinh đô để tâu bày nỗi oan ức. (The people went to the capital to plead their grievances.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "tâu bày" is archaic and is used almost exclusively in historical contexts or literature depicting feudal times. It carries a strong connotation of formality, hierarchy, and elaborate ceremony.
Variants and Related Words
Tâu (v): to report to the king/emperor; a more general term for addressing royalty.
- Vị quan tâu lên vua sự thật. (The official reported the truth to the king.)
Trình bày (v): to present, to explain. This is the modern, general-purpose equivalent used for all contexts, without the royal connotation.
- Anh ấy trình bày kế hoạch với giám đốc. (He presented the plan to the director.)
Synonyms
- Present: To show or offer for consideration.
- Explain: To make clear or understandable.
- Petition: To make a formal request.
- Exposit: To set forth or explain systematically (formal).
Related Idioms
- "Tâu bày tỏ thiệt": To present and explain the whole truth clearly (an archaic expression emphasizing complete and honest disclosure to authority).
- Thần xin tâu bày tỏ thiệt mọi chuyện. (I beg to present and explain the whole truth of the matter.)