Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Courageous, Valiant: Possessing or showing bravery and determination in the face of danger, hardship, or pain. It describes a steadfast and fearless spirit.
   • Unyielding, Resolute: Showing firmness of purpose and an unwavering character, especially during trials.

2. Noun (Literary, Archaic):

   • Heart, Innermost Feelings: Literally meaning "liver and intestines," this term is used poetically to represent the seat of emotions, one's deepest sentiments, or one's soul.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Những chiến sĩ can trường. (The valiant soldiers.)
  • Cô ấy thể hiện tinh thần can trường trước nghịch cảnh. (She displayed a courageous spirit in the face of adversity.)

• Noun (Literary):

  • Thổ lộ can trường. (To pour out one's heart.)
  • Biết đâu mà gửi can trường vào đâu? (Who knows where I can entrust my heart?)

Advanced Usage

• The adjectival meaning is the most common in modern usage, often found in formal, literary, or journalistic contexts to praise heroic qualities.
• The nominal meaning is considered classical or poetic and is rarely used in everyday contemporary speech, primarily encountered in older literature or poetic expressions.

Variants and Related Words

• Can đảm (adj): Brave, courageous. This is the more common, everyday synonym for bravery.
• Gan dạ (adj): Daring, plucky. Emphasizes boldness and nerve.
• Dũng cảm (adj): Valiant, gallant. Often used for acts of heroism.
• Can tràng: An alternate spelling with the same meanings.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Brave, courageous, valiant, fearless, gallant, resolute, stalwart.
• Noun (Literary): Heart, soul, bosom, innermost being, deepest feelings.

Related Idioms

• Chí can trường: A courageous will or spirit.
  • Người lính già vẫn giữ chí can trường. (The old soldier still maintains a valiant spirit.)

adj

1. Courageous, unafraid of danger
   • những chiến sĩ can trường
     fearless combatants
   • chí can trường
     a courageous spirit

noun

1. Heart
   • thổ lộ can trường
     to pour out one's heart