The Vietnamese word "ông tơ" translates to "match-maker" in English. A match-maker is someone who helps to find partners for people who want to get married or be in a romantic relationship.
In Vietnamese culture, "ông tơ" typically refers to a person, often an older individual, who has experience and knowledge in bringing couples together. This role can be quite traditional, as families sometimes seek the help of a match-maker to ensure suitable matches based on social status, family background, and compatibility.
You can use "ông tơ" when talking about someone who helps to arrange marriages or relationships. It is often used in a cultural context, where matchmaking is a respected practice.
"Gia đình tôi đã nhờ ông tơ để tìm vợ cho tôi." (My family asked the match-maker to find a wife for me.)
"Ông tơ rất nổi tiếng trong làng vì ông đã giúp nhiều cặp đôi hạnh phúc." (The match-maker is very famous in the village because he has helped many happy couples.)
In more advanced discussions, "ông tơ" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who connects people in various ways, not limited to romantic relationships. For example, a person who brings business partners together could also be referred to as "ông tơ."
In some contexts, "ông tơ" can also refer to a more general term for a "connector" or "mediator" between people, not strictly limited to romantic pairings.