TheVietnameseword "dạm vợ" is a verbthatmeans "tooffermarriage" or "toproposemarriage." It is used in thecontext of a man asking a womantomarryhim, which is an importantculturalevent in Vietnamesesociety.
Usage Instructions:
"Dạm vợ" is oftenused in formal or serious contexts, particularlywhen a man is seekingtotakethenextstep in a romanticrelationship.
It can be useddirectly in conversation or in moreceremonial contexts, such as during a familygatheringtoannounceintentions of marriage.
AdvancedExample: "Saunhiềuthángtìm hiểu, cuối cùnganhấycũngquyết địnhdạm vợ." (Aftermanymonths of gettingtoknoweachother, he finallydecidedtopropose.)
Word Variants:
Dạm:This can refertotheact of offering or extendingsomething, oftenused in differentcontextsoutside of marriage.
Vợ:Means "wife," which is theendgoal of "dạm vợ."
Different Meanings:
While "dạm vợ" specificallyreferstoproposingmarriage, theword "dạm" on itsown can mean "toextend" or "tooffer," which can be used in various situations, such as extending an invitation or offeringhelp.
Synonyms:
Cầu hôn:This is a moreformaltermthatalsomeans "toproposemarriage." It is oftenusedinterchangeablywith "dạm vợ" but can carry a moretraditionalconnotation.
Đề nghịkết hôn:Thismeans "tosuggestmarriage" and can be used in a similarcontext.
CulturalNote:
In Vietnameseculture, "dạm vợ" ofteninvolvesnotjustthecouplebutalsotheirfamilies, as marriage is seen as a union of twofamiliesratherthanjusttwo individuals. Thismakestheproposal a significanteventthat may involvediscussionswithparentsandfamily members.