Definition

Adjective: * Chaste and decent; virtuous and faithful: Describes a woman's moral character, emphasizing purity, fidelity, and proper conduct, especially in the context of traditional Confucian values. This term is now considered literary and somewhat archaic.

Usage

This word is used almost exclusively to describe women, praising their moral virtue, chastity, and loyalty. It carries a strong connotation of traditional values and is found more often in classical literature, historical contexts, or formal, respectful language rather than in everyday modern conversation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Người phụ nữ ấy nổi tiếng là đoan trang và đoan trinh. (That woman is famous for being dignified and chaste.)
  • Tấm gương đoan trinh của bà được mọi người kính nể. (Her example of virtue is respected by everyone.)
  • Trong văn học cổ, hình tượng người phụ nữ đoan trinh rất phổ biến. (In classical literature, the image of a virtuous and chaste woman is very common.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, honorific descriptions or eulogies to praise a woman's lifelong moral character.
  • Cụ bà được nhớ đến như một mẫu mực của sự đoan trinh. (The elderly lady is remembered as a paragon of chastity and virtue.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đoan trang (adj): Dignified, graceful, and proper in demeanor. Often used together with .
• Trinh tiết (n): Virginity, chastity (more focused on physical purity).
• Tiết hạnh (n): Moral integrity and virtuous behavior.

Synonyms

• Trinh bạch: Pure and chaste.
• Tiết liệt: Extremely virtuous and chaste, often to the point of self-sacrifice to protect one's virtue (a stronger, more extreme term).
• Thủy chung: Faithful and constant (emphasizes loyalty rather than chastity specifically).

Related Idioms

• Giữ gìn đoan trinh: To preserve one's chastity and virtue.
  • Bà ấy đã giữ gìn đoan trinh suốt cuộc đời. (She preserved her virtue throughout her life.)

1. Chaste and decent