Definition

1. Verb:
   • To advise against (doing something): To counsel someone, often a superior or someone in authority, to not proceed with a particular action or decision. It implies a formal or earnest attempt to dissuade.
   • To remonstrate: To present reasons in opposition or protest against an action, especially to someone in a position of power.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các trung thần can gián nhà vua không nên tiêu xài hoang phí. (The loyal ministers advised the king against wasteful spending.)
  • Anh ấy đã can gián tôi không nên đầu tư vào dự án mạo hiểm đó. (He advised me against investing in that risky project.)
  • Cô ấy can gián giám đốc về quyết định sa thải hàng loạt. (She remonstrated with the director about the mass layoff decision.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "can gián" often carries a historical or formal connotation, typically used in contexts involving advising a superior, elder, or someone in authority (e.g., a ruler, leader, or parent). It suggests the act involves some moral courage or a sense of duty.

Variants and Related Words

• Khuyên can (v): to advise against, to dissuade. This is a more general and contemporary synonym.

  • Bạn bè khuyên can anh ta bỏ ý định đó. (His friends dissuaded him from that intention.)

• Can ngăn (v): to prevent, to stop (often implies a more physical or direct intervention).

  • Cảnh sát can ngăn cuộc ẩu đả. (The police stopped the fight.)

Synonyms

• Dissuade: To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.
• Counsel against: To give advice recommending avoidance of something.
• Caution against: To warn about potential dangers.

Related Idioms

• "Can gián bề trên": To remonstrate with one's superior.
  • Ông ấy nổi tiếng vì dám can gián bề trên. (He is famous for daring to remonstrate with his superiors.)

verb

1. To advise against doing something