The Vietnamese word "kêu van" can be translated to "cry mercy" in English. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is pleading or begging for help, often in a desperate or sorrowful manner.
Basic Explanation:
Meaning: "Kêu van" literally means to call out or cry out for mercy or help. It can indicate a situation where someone is feeling overwhelmed and is asking for assistance or compassion.
Usage: You would use "kêu van" in contexts where someone is in distress and is seeking help or relief, whether emotional, physical, or situational.
Example Sentence:
Vietnamese: "Khi gặp khó khăn, anh ta đã kêu van mọi người giúp đỡ."
English: "When facing difficulties, he cried out for everyone to help."
Advanced Usage:
In a more advanced context, "kêu van" can also imply a sense of lamentation or mourning, where someone is expressing deep sorrow over a loss or a difficult situation.
Variants:
The phrase can be used in different forms by changing the context or the subject. For instance, you might say "kêu van cho số phận" which means "crying out for fate," indicating a deeper philosophical plea for understanding or change in one's circumstances.
Different Meanings:
While "kêu van" primarily conveys the idea of pleading for mercy, it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is complaining or whining about their situation, often with an undertone of seeking sympathy.
Synonyms:
Kêu cứu: This means "call for help" and is used when someone is in immediate danger and needs assistance.
Than vãn: This means "complain" or "lament," often used to describe someone expressing dissatisfaction about their situation.
Khóc lóc: This means "crying" or "weeping," which can convey a similar sense of distress.
Conclusion:
"Kêu van" is a versatile phrase that reflects a deep emotional state of seeking help or expressing sorrow. It is used in various contexts, from urgent pleas for assistance to more poetic expressions of lamentation.