bảo quyến
Definition
Noun: - Your esteemed family; your honorable household: A formal and respectful term used to refer to the family of the person being addressed. It is an archaic or highly literary term, conveying deep respect and politeness.
Usage
- This term is used in very formal, written, or ceremonial contexts, such as in classical literature, official correspondence, or formal speeches. It directly addresses the listener's family with honor.
- It is considered outdated in modern everyday Vietnamese.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Kính chúc bảo quyến một năm mới an khang, thịnh vượng. (I respectfully wish your honorable family a new year of peace and prosperity.)
- Thư trước tôi có nhắc đến bảo quyến, không biết mọi người có khỏe không? (In my previous letter, I mentioned your esteemed family; I wonder if everyone is well?)
Advanced Usage
- "Bảo quyến" is part of a set of archaic, honorific terms for addressing others. Similar terms include "tôn quyến" (your respected family) and "quý quyến" (your noble family). These are rarely used in contemporary speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Gia đình (noun): Family. This is the standard, neutral modern term.
- Quý gia (noun): Your noble house. Another formal, somewhat archaic term.
- Nhà (noun): Home; family (informal).
Synonyms
- Tôn quyến (noun): Your respected family (archaic/formal).
- Quý quyến (noun): Your noble family (archaic/formal).
Notes on Meaning
- The word "bảo" here is an honorific prefix meaning "precious" or "esteemed."
- The word "quyến" is an archaic term for "family" or "household."
- This term explicitly shows that the speaker places the listener's family in a high, respected position. It is not used to refer to one's own family.