Definition

Verb: - To take an oath, to swear: To make a solemn, formal promise or vow, often in a ritualistic or ceremonial context. This emphasizes the act of pledging loyalty, allegiance, or commitment. - To swear brotherhood: To formally pledge a bond of brotherhood or deep, loyal friendship with someone, often through a specific ritual.

Usage Examples

• (The two friends swore an oath to become sworn brothers.)
• (Before accepting their mission, the soldiers had to take an oath of loyalty to the Fatherland.)
• (Traditionally, they swore the oath by drinking from the same cup of wine.)

Advanced Usage

• "uống máu ăn thề": Literally "to drink blood and swear an oath". This refers to the specific, ancient ritual of swearing brotherhood or a solemn pact by drinking blood (often each other's blood mixed with wine). It signifies an unbreakable bond.
  • Họ kết nghĩa anh em theo kiểu uống máu ăn thề. (They became sworn brothers through the ritual of drinking blood to swear the oath.)
• "làm lễ ăn thề": To hold or perform an oath-taking ceremony.
  • Một buổi lễ ăn thề long trọng đã được tổ chức. (A solemn oath-taking ceremony was held.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thề (verb): To swear, to vow. This is the core verb. "Ăn thề" is a more formal and ritualistic compound form.
• Lời thề (noun): The oath, the vow.
• Tuyên thệ (verb): To take an oath, to swear in (often used in official, legal, or governmental contexts).

Synonyms

• Thề nguyền: To vow, to pledge (can be used in both solemn and romantic contexts).
• Hứa hẹn long trọng: To make a solemn promise.

Related Idioms

• Ăn thề độc địa: To swear a fierce or terrible oath. This emphasizes the severity and potentially harmful consequences of breaking the oath.
  • Hắn ăn thề độc địa sẽ trả thù. (He swore a terrible oath to get revenge.)

verb

1. To take oath, to swear brotherhood (loyaltỵ..)
   • uống máu ăn thề với nhau
     to swear brotherhood by drinking blood
   • làm lễ ăn thề
     to hold an oath-taking ceremony