Definition

1. Noun:
   • Merit (Buddhist/Religious context): Positive spiritual energy or "credit" accumulated through good deeds, virtuous actions, or religious practice, believed to bring favorable results in this life or future lives.
   • Public benefaction / Philanthropic contribution: An act of donating or contributing for the public good, especially for communal projects like building a bridge, pagoda, or school.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Religious Merit):

  • Làm việc thiện để tích công đức. (Do good deeds to accumulate merit.)
  • Cô ấy tin rằng công đức sẽ giúp kiếp sau tốt đẹp hơn. (She believes merit will lead to a better next life.)

• Noun (Public Benefaction):

  • Vị doanh nhân này có nhiều công đức với làng xã. (This businessman has made many philanthropic contributions to the village.)
  • Công đức xây cầu của cụ được mọi người ghi nhớ. (The elder's benefaction in building the bridge is remembered by everyone.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal or traditional contexts, particularly related to Buddhism, ancestor worship, and community development.
• It implies a lasting, meaningful contribution that benefits others, carrying a sense of moral weight and gratitude.

Variants and Related Words

• Công đức chủ (n): A benefactor; the main donor or patron of a public project.
  • Công đức chủ của ngôi chùa mới là một thương gia. (The benefactor of the new pagoda is a merchant.)

Synonyms

• Merit: Spiritual credit earned through good actions.
• Benefaction: A donation or gift for a good cause.
• Philanthropy: The desire to promote the welfare of others.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ghi công đức: To record/acknowledge someone's merit or benefaction.
  • Tấm bảng đá để ghi công đức của các nhà hảo tâm. (The stone stele is to record the benefaction of the donors.)
• Có công đức với đất nước: To have contributed meritoriously to the country.
  • Những chiến sĩ đó có công đức với đất nước. (Those soldiers have rendered meritorious service to the country.)