Definition

1. Noun:
   • Great mandarin, high-ranking official: In historical contexts, "ông lớn" refers to a high-ranking mandarin or official in the feudal administrative system of Vietnam.
   • Mr. Mandarin, Sir: A respectful term of address for such a high-ranking official, equivalent to "Your Excellency" or "Sir."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông lớn trong triều đình có quyền lực rất lớn. (The great mandarin in the court held very great power.)
  • Dân làng kính cẩn chào ông lớn khi ngài đi ngang qua. (The villagers respectfully greeted the Mr. Mandarin as he passed by.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is now considered archaic (cũ) or historical. It is primarily used when discussing history, literature, or historical dramas.
  • Trong tiểu thuyết lịch sử, nhân vật ông lớn thường được miêu tả rất uy nghi. (In historical novels, the character of the great mandarin is often portrayed as very majestic.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quan lớn: A similar term also meaning "high-ranking mandarin/official."
• Đại thần: A term for a high-ranking court official or minister.

Synonyms

• High-ranking official: Quan chức cấp cao.
• Mandarin: Quan lại.
• Dignitary: Nhân vật cao cấp.

Related Phrases

• Lệnh ông lớn: The order/command of the great mandarin.
  • Mọi người đều phải tuân theo lệnh ông lớn. (Everyone had to follow the command of the great mandarin.)

Related Idioms

• Oai như ông lớn: To be as imposing/majestic as a great mandarin (used to describe someone acting with great authority or pomp).
  • Anh ta bước vào phòng, oai như ông lớn. (He entered the room, as imposing as a great mandarin.)

1. (cũ)Great mandarin
2. Mr. Mandarin