Definition

Verb: - To air one's grievances; to denounce suffering: To publicly recount one's own sufferings or hardships, typically to accuse or condemn those perceived as responsible. This term has strong historical connotations, often associated with political or social struggle sessions.

Usage

The verb "tố khổ" describes a specific act of public accusation rooted in personal suffering. It is used when someone formally and openly details their hardships to assign blame. - Người nông dân đứng lên tố khổ tên địa chủ. (The farmer stood up to denounce the landlord's cruelty.) - Trong cuộc họp, bà ấy đã tố khổ về những năm tháng bị áp bức. (During the meeting, she aired her grievances about the years of oppression she endured.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Contextual Usage: The term is deeply tied to specific historical periods, such as the land reform era in Vietnam. It implies a formal, often collective, process of accusation within a political framework.
  • Hoạt động tố khổ diễn ra phổ biến trong cải cách ruộng đất. (The act of publicly denouncing suffering was common during the land reform.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tố cáo (verb): To denounce, to accuse. This is a more general and contemporary term for making an accusation, without the specific connotation of detailing personal suffering.
  • Tố cáo hành vi tham nhũng. (To denounce corrupt acts.)
• Kể khổ (verb): To complain about one's hardships. This is a more informal, personal expression of woes, lacking the formal, accusatory public dimension of "tố khổ".
  • Anh ấy thích kể khổ với bạn bè. (He likes to complain about his troubles to friends.)

Synonyms

• Lên án (verb): To condemn. Focuses on the act of condemnation itself.
• Vạch tội (verb): To expose crimes/wrongdoings. Focuses on revealing the misdeeds.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The core meaning involves a public recounting of personal suffering for the purpose of accusation, often within an organized political or social context.
• Nuance: "Tố khổ" carries a weight of historical specificity and formal procedure. It is not used for casual complaining. Its usage in modern contexts often evokes or references that historical framework.

verb

1. to air one's grievances