Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Taoist priest or monk: A person who follows and practices Taoism, often living in a temple or hermitage and dedicated to spiritual cultivation, rituals, and ascetic practices. This is the core historical and religious meaning.
   • A virtuous or righteous person: In a broader, more literary sense, it can refer to a person of high moral character or one who lives by a principled "way" (đạo).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Vị đạo nhân sống ẩn dật trong núi. (The Taoist priest lives in seclusion in the mountains.)
  • Ông ấy được dân làng kính trọng như một đạo nhân. (He is respected by the villagers as a virtuous man.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "đạo nhân" is classical and literary. In modern Vietnamese, "đạo sĩ" is more commonly used to specifically mean a Taoist priest. "Đạo nhân" may appear in historical novels, philosophical texts, or poetic language.

Variants and Related Words

• Đạo sĩ (n): Taoist priest/monk. (More common modern equivalent).
• Tu sĩ (n): A general term for a religious cleric or monastic.
• Ẩn sĩ (n): A hermit.

Synonyms

• Taoist monk: A follower of Taoism.
• Ascetic: A person who practices severe self-discipline.
• Virtuous person: A person of high moral standards.

Related Idioms

• While "đạo nhân" itself is not commonly used in modern idioms, it relates to the concept of "tu đạo" (to cultivate the way/religion).
  • Ông ấy dành cả đời để tu đạo. (He devoted his whole life to religious cultivation.)