Definition

1. Noun:
   • Secret merit / Hidden virtue: A good deed or act of charity performed anonymously or in secret, without seeking recognition or praise. The merit or positive karma is believed to be accumulated privately.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Làm âm công là một việc thiện cao quý. (Performing secret merit is a noble good deed.)
  • Ông ấy thích tích đức bằng âm công hơn là khoe khoang. (He prefers to accumulate virtue through hidden merit rather than by boasting.)

Advanced Usage

• The concept is often discussed in the context of Buddhist or spiritual philosophy, where actions done without ego or desire for reward are considered to generate greater spiritual merit.
  • Theo quan niệm dân gian, âm công sẽ được báo đáp. (According to folk belief, secret merit will be rewarded.)

Variants and Related Words

• Âm đức (n): Similar to "âm công," it refers to hidden virtue or secret goodness, often accumulated over time and believed to benefit one's descendants.
  • Gia đình họ phát đạt nhờ âm đức của tổ tiên. (Their family prospers thanks to the hidden virtue of their ancestors.)

Synonyms

• Anonymous charity: Charitable acts done without revealing one's identity.
• Unseen merit: Spiritual credit earned from good deeds that are not publicly known.
• Secret benevolence: Kindness or goodwill shown in secret.

Related Concepts

• Âm phước: Blessings or good fortune believed to come from the hidden merit or virtuous actions of oneself or one's ancestors.
  • Sống lâu được xem là hưởng âm phước. (Long life is seen as enjoying hidden blessings.)