bình thời
Definition
- Adverb:
- In ordinary times; in normal times; in peacetime: Refers to a period of peace, stability, or routine, as opposed to times of war, crisis, or extraordinary events.
Usage
- "Bình thời" is a literary and somewhat formal term, often used in written Vietnamese to contrast a peaceful, stable past with a present or potential period of conflict or upheaval. It is synonymous with "thời bình" (peacetime) but functions adverbially.
- It is typically used to describe habits, conditions, or situations that were standard during uneventful periods.
Usage Examples
- Adverb: (In normal times, this market is very crowded.) (In peacetime, he was a teacher.) (These regulations only apply during war; in ordinary times, it's different.)
Advanced Usage
- "Bình thời" vs. "Thời bình": While both refer to peacetime, "bình thời" is primarily used as an adverbial phrase (e.g., ). "Thời bình" is a noun phrase meaning "peacetime era" (e.g., - life in peacetime).
- The term can be used to evoke nostalgia or to highlight a contrast with a less stable present.
Variants and Related Words
- Thời bình (n): Peacetime. (Peacetime hero.)
- Thái bình (n): Peace, tranquility (often on a larger, societal scale).
- Bình yên (adj): Peaceful, tranquil (describing a state).
Synonyms
- Lúc thường: At ordinary times.
- Hồi bình yên: In peaceful times.
- Thời kỳ hòa bình: Period of peace.
Antonyms
- Thời chiến (n): Wartime.
- Lúc loạn ly: In times of chaos/disorder.
- Khi có biến: When there is an upheaval.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "Bình thời còn chẳng dám, huống chi lúc nguy nan." (They didn't even dare in ordinary times, let alone in times of danger.) – Used to criticize someone's lack of courage or initiative.