Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give a gift upon arrival, to give a welcome present: The action of giving a small gift, often money or treats, to someone (especially a child) when visiting them or when they arrive for a visit. It is a traditional, courteous gesture in Vietnamese culture.

Usage

• The verb "đón tay" is used to describe the specific act of presenting a gift upon meeting someone, typically at the beginning of a visit. It implies a gesture of goodwill, affection, or respect, especially towards younger family members or children of hosts/guests.
• It is often used with the structure: "đón tay cho + [someone]" (to give a welcome present to someone).

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ông bà đón tay cho cháu một phong bao lì xì. (The grandparents gave the grandchild a lucky money envelope as a welcome present.)
  • Khi đến chơi nhà dì, dì thường đón tay cho con một gói kẹo. (When visiting my aunt's house, she often gives my child a pack of candy as a visiting present.)
  • Theo phong tục, khách mới đến thường được đón tay một món quà nhỏ. (According to custom, new visitors are often given a small welcome gift.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "đón tay" specifically highlights the cultural practice tied to visits and meetings. It is less about the monetary value and more about the symbolic gesture of sharing joy and establishing a warm connection.
• While commonly associated with children, it can also apply in contexts where an elder or a respected person gives a token gift to a younger person upon meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Mừng tuổi / Lì xì (v/n): To give/gift of lucky money, typically during Tet (Lunar New Year). While "lì xì" is a specific type of gift-giving during holidays, "đón tay" is more general for visits.
• Quà cáp (n): Gifts, presents (general term).
• Biếu (v): To offer/present (a gift, often to someone of higher status or respect).

Synonyms

• Tặng quà khi đến thăm: To give a gift when visiting.
• Cho quà mừng: To give a congratulatory/celebratory gift (broader context).

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning revolves around the act of giving a gift upon arrival. The reference to "a parcel of cake" is an example; the gift can be money, candy, fruit, or any small token.
• It is a culturally embedded term without a direct, single-word equivalent in English, often requiring a short phrase like "to give a welcome present" or "to give a visiting gift" for translation.

1. Make a visiting present to a child of
   • Đón tay cho cháu bé một gói bánh
     To make a visiting present to small child of a parcel of cake