tạ tội
Definition
- Verb:
- To apologize; to beg for forgiveness: The primary meaning of "tạ tội" is to formally acknowledge one's fault or mistake and to humbly request pardon or mercy from the person who was wronged.
- To make amends; to atone: It implies an action of seeking to rectify a wrong, often through an apology or an act of contrition.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cậu bé đã đến tạ tội với bà lão vì làm vỡ cửa kính. (The boy came to apologize to the old woman for breaking the window.)
- Hắn quỳ xuống tạ tội trước mặt gia đình nạn nhân. (He knelt down to beg for forgiveness before the victim's family.)
- Sau sự hiểu lầm, cô ấy viết thư để tạ tội. (After the misunderstanding, she wrote a letter to make amends.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a formal, serious, or humble tone, suitable for significant mistakes or offenses. It is stronger than a simple "xin lỗi" (to say sorry).
- It can be used in both personal contexts and in broader social or ritualistic contexts, such as in traditional customs or ceremonies.
Variants and Related Words
- Tạ lỗi (v): to apologize. This is a more common and slightly less formal synonym.
- Anh ấy gọi điện để tạ lỗi. (He called to apologize.)
Synonyms
- Apologize: to say that one is sorry for a fault or offense.
- Beg forgiveness: to earnestly ask for pardon.
- Make amends: to compensate for a wrong or injury.
Related Idioms
- Tạ tội với tổ tiên: to atone before one's ancestors. This refers to a ritual or sincere act to apologize for bringing dishonor or failing one's family lineage.
- Hành động của anh ta khiến cả dòng họ phải xấu hổ, giờ anh ta phải tạ tội với tổ tiên. (His actions brought shame to the whole clan, now he must atone before his ancestors.)