Definition

1. Noun:
   • Son of a mandarin or high-ranking official (historical): In feudal Vietnam, this term referred to the son of a mandarin, a high-ranking government official in the imperial court. It implied a young man from a privileged, aristocratic family.
   • Playboy / dandy / rich kid (modern): In contemporary usage, it describes a wealthy, often idle young man from a rich family, known for a leisurely, extravagant lifestyle focused on pleasure and fashion, rather than work or responsibility.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong xã hội phong kiến, một công tử có nhiều đặc quyền. (In feudal society, a công tử had many privileges.)
  • Anh ta sống như một công tử, chỉ biết ăn chơi. (He lives like a công tử, only knowing how to party and have fun.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can carry a negative or critical connotation in modern contexts, implying frivolity, lack of ambition, or detachment from the struggles of ordinary life.
  • Đừng có thái độ công tử nữa, hãy tự lập đi. (Stop having that công tử attitude; become independent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Công tử bột: A more specific and often more derogatory term for a pampered, effete, or inexperienced rich young man.
  • Cậu ấy là một công tử bột chưa từng biết đến khó khăn. (He is a pampered công tử who has never known hardship.)

Synonyms

• Playboy: A man who spends his time enjoying himself, especially one who has many casual sexual relationships.
• Dandy: A man unduly concerned with looking stylish and fashionable.
• Scion: A descendant of a notable family (more formal, less pejorative).

Related Idioms

• Lối sống công tử: The playboy lifestyle.
  • Lối sống công tử của anh ta khiến gia đình lo lắng. (His playboy lifestyle worries his family.)