Definition

Verb: - To compel a girl to marry someone: The act of forcing a young woman, typically against her will or feelings, into a marriage with a specific person. This term carries a strong connotation of coercion and the absence of love or consent in the arrangement.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Gia đình nhà gái định ép duyên cô ấy lấy người giàu làng bên. (The bride's family intended to compel her to marry the rich man from the neighboring village.)
  • Câu chuyện kể về một cô gái bị ép duyên thời phong kiến. (The story tells of a girl who was forced into a marriage in feudal times.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is deeply rooted in historical and literary contexts, often describing a social practice where family honor, economic stability, or social obligation overrides personal choice.
• It is frequently used in folk tales, proverbs, and historical narratives to critique arranged marriages devoid of affection.

Variants and Related Words

• Ép uổng (v): to compel or force unjustly. While broader, it can relate to forced actions, including marriage.
• Ép cưới (v): to force into a wedding/marriage. A more direct, modern synonym for "ép duyên."

Synonyms

• Force into marriage: To make someone marry under coercion.
• Compel to wed: To oblige someone to marry, especially against their will.

Related Idioms and Proverbs

• Ép dầu ép mỡ, ai nỡ ép duyên: A famous Vietnamese proverb meaning "One can press for oil or press for fat, but who has the heart to press for love/marriage?" It poetically argues that love and marriage should not be forced.

verb

1. to conpel a girl to marry someone