Definition

1. Noun:
   • Maxim, adage, saying: A concise, memorable statement that expresses a general truth, principle, or rule for good or wise behavior. It is a traditional saying that is considered authoritative and worthy of being followed as a guideline.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn" là một cách ngôn nổi tiếng. ("Traveling one day, learning one basket of wisdom" is a famous maxim.)
  • Cách ngôn có câu: "Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim". (As the saying goes: "With perseverance, an iron rod can be ground down to a needle.")
  • Nhiều câu nói của Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh đã trở thành cách ngôn. (Many of President Ho Chi Minh's statements have become adages.)

Advanced Usage

• Proverbial Use: A "cách ngôn" is often used to introduce or support an argument, lending it the weight of traditional wisdom.
  • Ông ấy thường dẫn những cách ngôn để khuyên bảo con cháu. (He often cites maxims to advise his children and grandchildren.)

Variants and Related Words

• Châm ngôn (n): Motto, precept. Often used similarly to "cách ngôn" but can imply a personal or organizational motto.
• Tục ngữ (n): Proverb, folk saying. A traditional, often metaphorical saying from folk culture, whereas "cách ngôn" can feel more formal or literary.
• Danh ngôn (n): Famous quotation, aphorism. A well-known saying attributed to a specific famous person.

Synonyms

• Maxim: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
• Adage: A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
• Saying: A short, commonly known expression that generally offers advice or wisdom.
• Aphorism: A concise statement of a principle or truth.

Related Idioms

• Thành cách ngôn: To become a maxim/adage. Describes when a phrase becomes widely accepted as a piece of traditional wisdom.
  • Câu nói đó giờ đã thành cách ngôn. (That phrase has now become a maxim.)

noun

1. Maxim, adage, saying
   • cách ngôn có câu
     as the saying goes