đi hầu
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To attend upon someone for service: The phrase "đi hầu" specifically means to follow or accompany a person in order to serve them, often in a subordinate or assisting role. It implies a duty of personal service or attendance.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Người giúp việc đi hầu chủ nhà. (The servant attends upon the master of the house.)
- Cô ấy phải đi hầu bà chủ cả ngày. (She has to attend upon the mistress all day.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is historical and formal, often associated with traditional household structures, servitude, or courtly contexts where personal attendants were common. It is less frequent in modern, everyday language.
Variants and Related Words
Hầu hạ (v): to serve, to wait upon. This is a close synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Anh ấy trung thành hầu hạ gia đình này nhiều năm. (He loyally served this family for many years.)
Phục vụ (v): to serve. A more general and modern term for service, not implying the same personal attendance.
- Nhân viên phục vụ trong nhà hàng. (Staff serve in the restaurant.)
Synonyms
- To wait upon: To act as an attendant to someone.
- To attend (upon): To be present with someone to provide service.
- To serve: To perform duties for someone.
Notes on Usage
- "Đi hầu" carries a connotation of subordination and is typically used for people in service roles (e.g., servants, aides) attending to someone of higher status. It is not used for professional services in a business context. The action involves physically being present with the person being served.