đi đạo
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To convert to Catholicism: The primary meaning refers specifically to adopting the Catholic faith. This term historically reflects the period of Catholic evangelization in Vietnam.
- To convert to (a) religion: In a broader, less common usage, it can mean to convert to a religion, often a Western one, though Catholicism is the default association.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Ông bà tôi đã đi đạo từ thời Pháp thuộc. (My grandparents converted to Catholicism during the French colonial period.)
- Người ta nói bà ấy đi đạo để lấy chồng. (People say she converted to [Catholicism] to get married.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in historical or familial contexts. While "đạo" alone means "religion" or "path," the fixed phrase "đi đạo" strongly implies conversion a religion, not general religious practice.
Variants and Related Words
- Theo đạo (v): A more common and neutral synonym meaning "to follow a religion" or "to convert to a religion."
- Anh ấy theo đạo Phật. (He follows Buddhism.)
- Trở lại đạo (v): To revert to or return to the faith (often Catholicism).
- Sau nhiều năm, ông ấy đã trở lại đạo. (After many years, he returned to the faith.)
Synonyms
- To convert to Catholicism: This is the most precise English equivalent for the core meaning.
- To become a Catholic: A simpler, more direct synonym.
Related Idioms
- Đi đạo có đám: A critical idiom implying someone converts (to Catholicism) primarily for the ceremonial and social benefits, like having a church wedding.
- Đừng nghe cô ta, đi đạo có đám đấy thôi. (Don't listen to her; she's just converting for the wedding.)