Definition

1. Noun:
   • Eldest son of one's eldest son: A term in the traditional Vietnamese family structure, specifically referring to the first-born son of one's own first-born son. This person holds a special position in the lineage, often bearing significant responsibilities and expectations for continuing the family line and ancestor worship.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông nội rất yêu quý cháu đích tôn của mình. (The grandfather dearly loves his eldest grandson [the son of his eldest son].)
  • Theo truyền thống, cháu đích tôn sẽ thờ cúng tổ tiên. (Traditionally, the eldest son of the eldest son will worship the ancestors.)
  • Anh ấy là cháu đích tôn, nên áp lực gia đình rất lớn. (He is the eldest grandson [in the direct male line], so the family pressure is very great.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is deeply rooted in Confucian family values and the patrilineal system. It implies a hierarchy and specific duties within the extended family.
• The concept is often discussed in contexts of heritage, inheritance (both material and ritual), and traditional family roles.

Variants and Related Words

• Đích tôn (n): This is the core component, meaning "direct grandson" or "grandson in the direct male line." "Cháu đích tôn" is the full, specific phrase.
• Trưởng tôn (n): A near-synonym, also meaning the eldest grandson, emphasizing the "eldest" () aspect.
• Cháu nội (n): A more general term for "grandson" (son of one's son). "Cháu đích tôn" is a specific type of .

Synonyms

• Eldest grandson (in the direct male line): The most precise English translation.
• First-born son of the first-born son: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Gánh vác trách nhiệm của cháu đích tôn: To shoulder the responsibilities of the eldest grandson.
  • Anh ấy phải học cách gánh vác trách nhiệm của cháu đích tôn. (He must learn to shoulder the responsibilities of the eldest grandson [in the direct line].)
• The term itself often carries an idiomatic weight, representing tradition, continuity, and sometimes burden.

1. Eldest son of one's eldest son