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lễ hội
/lêˀ hoj˧˥/
festival
Mỗi năm, thành phố tổ chức nhiều lễ hội để thu hút du khách.
Every year, the city organizes many festivals to attract tourists.
formal
A public celebration or event, often with cultural, religious, or historical significance, featuring activities, performances, or rituals.
Lễ hội Đền Hùng là một sự kiện quan trọng trong văn hóa Việt Nam.
The Hung Temple Festival is an important event in Vietnamese culture.
Họ tham gia lễ hội hóa trang với những chiếc mặt nạ sặc sỡ.
They participated in the carnival festival with colorful masks.
Lễ hội can refer to both traditional cultural events (e.g., Tết Nguyên Đán) and modern celebrations (e.g., music festivals).
Collocations
lễ hội truyền thốngtraditional festivallễ hội địa phươnglocal festivaltham gia lễ hộito attend a festivaltổ chức lễ hộito organize a festival
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'lễ' and 'hội'
While 'lễ' and 'hội' can stand alone, 'lễ hội' specifically refers to a festive event combining rituals and gatherings. Avoid using 'lễ hội' to describe a single ceremony or a non-festive meeting.
Gold Rule
Use 'lễ hội' for cultural or public celebrations
Reserve 'lễ hội' for events with cultural, religious, or communal significance. For personal celebrations (e.g., birthdays), use 'tiệc' (party) or 'sự kiện' (event).
Word Origin
The word 'lễ' means 'ceremony' or 'ritual,' and 'hội' means 'gathering' or 'assembly.' Together, they form a compound noun denoting a festive gathering with cultural or religious significance.
Usage Notes
Lễ hội is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It can refer to large-scale national events or small community gatherings. The term is often preceded by adjectives to specify the type of festival (e.g., 'lễ hội mùa xuân' for spring festival).
Word Breakdown
lễ
ceremony/ritual
roothội
gathering/assembly
rootTừ Điển Việt Anh