Definition

1. Verb:
   • To board: To live and take meals at a fixed location, typically a boarding house or with a family, for a monthly fee. This term describes a residential arrangement where lodging and regular meals are provided in exchange for a monthly payment.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sinh viên đó đang ăn cơm tháng ở một nhà trọ gần trường. (That student is boarding at a lodging house near the school.)
  • Vì công việc xa nhà, anh ấy phải ăn cơm tháng. (Because his work is far from home, he has to board.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase implies a semi-permanent, contractual living arrangement focused on the provision of daily meals ("cơm") as a core service, not just a room.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn ở (v): A broader term meaning to lodge or reside, which may or may not include meals.
  • Tôi đang tìm chỗ ăn ở cho thuận tiện đi làm. (I am looking for a place to lodge for a convenient commute to work.)

Synonyms

• To board: To receive food and lodging for a fixed charge.
• To room and board: To have a room and meals provided.

Related Idioms

• Ăn cơm nhà vác tù và hàng tổng: This idiom ("to eat at home but carry a spear for the whole village") describes someone who benefits from one group but works or fights for another. It is conceptually related as both involve the dynamic of receiving sustenance ("ăn") from a specific provider.
  • Anh ta như kẻ ăn cơm nhà vác tù và hàng tổng. (He is like someone who eats at home but carries a spear for the whole village.)

verb

1. to board