tùng sự
Definition
- Verb (archaic, formal):
- To serve: To perform duties in an official capacity, typically for a government office, a superior, or an institution.
- To be in service: To hold a position and carry out the associated responsibilities, often implying a subordinate or clerical role within a hierarchical system.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Ông cụ đã tùng sự tại bộ Ngoại giao hơn ba mươi năm. (The old man served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over thirty years.)
- Những viên chức mới sẽ bắt đầu tùng sự từ tuần tới. (The new officials will begin their service starting next week.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "tùng sự" is now considered archaic and is primarily found in historical texts, formal documents from the past, or in stylized literary contexts. In modern administrative or employment contexts, words like "làm việc" (to work) or "công tác" (to work, to be on duty) are used instead.
Variants and Related Words
- Tòng sự: This is a variant spelling of "tùng sự" with the same meaning. The reference note "xem tòng sự" indicates they are interchangeable.
- Ông ấy đã tòng sự dưới triều vua Gia Long. (He served under the reign of Emperor Gia Long.)
Synonyms
- Serve: To perform duties.
- Work (for): To be employed by.
- Be in the service of: To work under the authority of.
Notes on Usage
- "Tùng sự" is almost never used in contemporary spoken Vietnamese. It is important for learners to recognize it as a historical term. When encountering it, understand it describes someone's official service or employment in a past era.