Signification
Politeness is more important than material gifts.
Contexte culturel
The 'mâm cỗ' is traditionally round, symbolizing heaven and completeness. Placing the 'greeting' above it is a powerful statement about social hierarchy. In the North, etiquette (lễ nghi) is often perceived as more rigid. The 'lời chào' must include correct honorifics (ạ, thưa) to truly be 'higher' than the feast. Even abroad, Vietnamese families use this to maintain cultural identity. It's a way to teach children that being 'Vietnamese' means being respectful. Modern Vietnamese businesses apply this to 'Customer Service'. The way a receptionist greets a client is seen as more important than the office's luxury.
Always add 'ạ'
When using this proverb or greeting elders, always add 'ạ' at the end of your sentence to be truly polite.
Use it to compliment
If someone greets you warmly, you can say 'Đúng là lời chào cao hơn mâm cỗ' to compliment their manners.
Signification
Politeness is more important than material gifts.
Always add 'ạ'
When using this proverb or greeting elders, always add 'ạ' at the end of your sentence to be truly polite.
Use it to compliment
If someone greets you warmly, you can say 'Đúng là lời chào cao hơn mâm cỗ' to compliment their manners.
Don't be sarcastic
Avoid saying this if someone actually provided a terrible meal, as it might be taken as a hidden insult.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Lời chào ___ hơn mâm cỗ.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'cao' (high).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A child enters a house and starts eating without saying anything to the host.
This proverb is used to remind people that greeting is more important than the food/feast.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Mẹ: 'Bi, sao vào nhà bác mà không chào?' - Bi: 'Con mải nhìn đồ ăn quá ạ.' - Mẹ: '________'
The mother is correcting the child's lack of manners regarding a greeting.
Match the meaning to the proverb.
The spirit of hospitality is more important than the cost of the meal.
This matches the figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Material vs. Spiritual
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLời chào ___ hơn mâm cỗ.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'cao' (high).
A child enters a house and starts eating without saying anything to the host.
This proverb is used to remind people that greeting is more important than the food/feast.
Mẹ: 'Bi, sao vào nhà bác mà không chào?' - Bi: 'Con mải nhìn đồ ăn quá ạ.' - Mẹ: '________'
The mother is correcting the child's lack of manners regarding a greeting.
The spirit of hospitality is more important than the cost of the meal.
This matches the figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, though young people might not say it to each other, they hear it from parents and teachers constantly.
It's a traditional round tray of food served at formal events like weddings or Tet. It usually contains at least 4-6 different dishes.
It's a bit too traditional for a standard email, but it could work in a formal speech or a thank-you note after a dinner.
No, in this context 'cao' means 'higher in value' or 'more important'.
No, 'Chào' alone is too short. You should say 'Em chào anh' or 'Con chào bác' to follow the spirit of the proverb.
The round shape represents the 'Trời' (Heaven) and unity/togetherness in Vietnamese culture.
Not really, the full seven syllables are usually kept for the rhythmic balance.
Yes, you can use it to show you appreciate the host's warm welcome more than the food.
In a way, yes—having a polite 'opening' in a message is seen as the modern 'lời chào'.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but the concept of 'vô lễ' (no manners) is the opposite behavior.
It's more closely related to Confucianism, which emphasizes social order and ritual (Lễ).
It has the 'ngã' tone. Imagine your voice breaking slightly and then rising sharply.
Expressions liées
Cách cho hơn của đem cho
similarThe manner of giving is more important than the gift itself.
Tiên học lễ, hậu học văn
builds onFirst learn manners, then learn knowledge.
Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua
similarWords cost nothing to buy, so choose them to please each other.
Vô lễ
contrastImpolite / Rude (literally: without ritual).
