ăn hỏi

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The Vietnamese word "ăn hỏi" refers to a traditional practice in Vietnamese culture where a man formally proposes to a woman by making a ritual offering to her parents. This is typically done before the couple is officially engaged or married.

Usage Instructions:

• "Ăn hỏi" is used in the context of relationships and marriage proposals.
• It is an important cultural step that signifies respect for the woman's family and their approval for the union.

Example:

• When a young man decides to marry his girlfriend, he might organize a ceremony for "ăn hỏi" where he brings gifts and food to her parents to ask for their blessing.

Advanced Usage:

• In modern contexts, "ăn hỏi" can also be seen as a way to solidify the couple's commitment to each other in front of their families, often involving a small gathering or ceremony that includes both families.

Word Variants:

• "Hỏi" alone means "to ask" or "to inquire," but in the context of "ăn hỏi," it specifically relates to asking for permission to marry.

Different Meanings:

• "Ăn hỏi" primarily relates to marriage proposals; however, "ăn" can mean "to eat," and "hỏi" can mean "to ask". But together, they specifically denote the marriage proposal ritual.

Synonyms:

• A similar term is "đám hỏi," which also refers to the engagement ceremony. However, "đám hỏi" may include more formal elements and celebrations.

Academic

verb

1. To propose ritually (with an offering to the girl's parents)