Definition

1. Verb:

   • To ask for, to request: To express a desire for something to be given or granted, often politely.
   • To beg, to plead: To ask for something earnestly or humbly, especially as a favor or mercy.
   • To apply for: To formally request something, such as a job, permit, or benefit.

2. Particle (Polite Marker):

   • Please: A word placed at the beginning of a request, invitation, or statement to convey politeness, humility, or formality.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Cháu xin bà một miếng bánh. (I ask my grandmother for a piece of cake.)
  • Họ xin nhà chủ trọ gia hạn thêm một tháng. (They begged the landlord for a one-month extension.)
  • Cô ấy đang xin việc ở một công ty mới. (She is applying for a job at a new company.)

• Particle (Polite Marker):

  • Xin mời anh ngồi. (Please, have a seat.)
  • Xin lỗi, tôi đến muộn. (I apologize [please excuse me], I am late.)
  • Xin chân thành cảm ơn. (We sincerely thank you.)

Advanced Usage

• "xin ý kiến": to seek advice or opinion.

  • Trước khi quyết định, tôi cần xin ý kiến của giám đốc. (Before deciding, I need to seek the director's opinion.)

• "xin phép": to ask for permission.

  • Em xin phép cô cho em ra ngoài. (I ask for your permission to go outside, teacher.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thỉnh cầu (v): A more formal synonym for "xin," meaning to petition or formally request.

  • Họ thỉnh cầu chính phủ xem xét vấn đề. (They petitioned the government to consider the issue.)

• Nài xin (v): To beg or implore persistently.

  • Đứa trẻ nài xin mẹ mua đồ chơi. (The child begged his mother to buy a toy.)

Synonyms

• Request: To politely or formally ask for.
• Beg: To ask earnestly or desperately.
• Apply for: To make a formal request for consideration.
• Please: Used to make a polite request.

Related Idioms

• Xin như ăn mày: To beg like a beggar; to plead desperately and persistently.

  • Nó xin như ăn mày nhưng tôi vẫn không đồng ý. (He begged like a beggar but I still didn't agree.)

• Xin cho có lệ: To ask for something merely as a formality or for the sake of appearance, not expecting a genuine outcome.

  • Anh ấy xin cho có lệ thôi, biết là sẽ không được chấp thuận. (He asked merely as a formality, knowing it wouldn't be approved.)

verb

1. to ask (for), to beg