tốt lễ
Definition
- Adjective (dated/idiomatic):
- Accompanied by or involving substantial gifts or offerings: Describes a request, proposal, or entreaty that is presented along with generous or numerous ceremonial gifts, traditionally to increase its favor or likelihood of acceptance.
- Bountiful in ceremonial presents: Characterized by having many ritual gifts, often in the context of traditional customs, negotiations, or petitions.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Lời thỉnh cầu của họ rất tốt lễ nên được chấp thuận. (Their petition was accompanied by substantial gifts, so it was approved.)
- Muốn hỏi cưới con gái nhà ấy, phải tốt lễ. (To ask for that family's daughter's hand in marriage, one must be bountiful in ceremonial gifts.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily used in historical or traditional contexts, often reflecting older customs where the presentation of gifts () was integral to formal requests, marriages, or diplomatic appeals. It implies a strategic or customary use of material offerings to facilitate a desired outcome.
Variants and Related Words
Lễ vật (n): ceremonial gifts, offerings.
- Lễ vật cưới rất đầy đủ. (The wedding gifts are very complete.)
Hậu tạ (v): to reward or repay generously (often after a favor).
- Ông ấy hậu tạ người đã giúp mình. (He generously rewarded the person who helped him.)
Synonyms
- Generous in offerings: Providing ample ceremonial gifts.
- Well-gifted: Accompanied by many presents (in a traditional/ritual sense).
Related Idioms
- Tốt lễ dễ van (proverb): Literally "Good gifts, easy entreaty." Equivalent to the English idea that "a rich gift can smooth the way" or that generosity with presents makes a request easier to grant.
- Nhớ câu "tốt lễ dễ van" mà chuẩn bị cho chu đáo. (Remember the saying "good gifts, easy entreaty" and prepare thoroughly.)