đắt vợ
Definition
- Adjective (Humorous/Colloquial):
- Highly sought-after as a husband; considered a great catch: Describes a man who is very desirable in the marriage market, often because he possesses qualities (e.g., good character, stable career, kindness) that make many women or their families wish to marry him.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy tốt bụng, có công việc ổn định nên rất đắt vợ. (He is kind and has a stable job, so he is a very sought-after husband.)
- Ở làng này, cậu thanh niên đó đắt vợ lắm. (In this village, that young man is highly desired as a son-in-law.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is inherently humorous and slightly old-fashioned. It views marriage from a traditional, often familial, perspective where the man's suitability is evaluated by potential brides or their parents.
- It can imply that the man has multiple potential suitors or that families are actively interested in him for their daughters.
Word Origin and Notes
- The phrase literally combines "đắt" (expensive, in high demand) and "vợ" (wife), creating a figurative meaning of a man being "in high demand for marriage." It parallels the structure of "đắt chồng," which describes a woman highly sought-after as a wife.
Synonyms
- A great catch: A desirable partner for marriage.
- Sought-after bachelor: An unmarried man who many people want to marry.
Antonyms
- Ế (slang): To be left on the shelf; to remain unmarried despite passing the conventional age for marriage.
- Khó lấy vợ: Having difficulty finding a wife.