Definition

1. Noun:
   • A saying, maxim, or aphorism: A concise, memorable statement that expresses a general truth, principle, or piece of advice, often regarding morality or conduct. It is a traditional, widely accepted piece of wisdom.
   • A precept: A guiding rule or principle for behavior or thought.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Ông ấy thường nhắc đến những câu châm ngôn của người xưa." (He often mentions the ancient sayings.)
  • "Châm ngôn 'Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây' dạy ta lòng biết ơn." (The maxim 'When eating fruit, remember the planter' teaches us gratitude.)
  • "Anh ấy sống theo châm ngôn 'Thật thà là cha quỷ quái'." (He lives by the precept 'Honesty is the best policy'.)

Advanced Usage

• "châm ngôn sống": A life motto or personal maxim.
  • "Châm ngôn sống của cô ấy là 'Hãy cho đi trước khi nhận lại'." (Her life motto is 'Give before you receive'.)
• Used to describe the core guiding principle of a person, group, or philosophy.
  • "Tinh thần đoàn kết là châm ngôn của dân tộc ta." (The spirit of solidarity is our nation's guiding principle.)

Variants and Related Words

• Danh ngôn (n): A famous or celebrated saying; an adage. Often used interchangeably with , but sometimes implies a saying from a famous person.
• Cách ngôn (n): A proverb; a common, short saying that expresses a perceived truth. Very similar to .
• Tục ngữ (n): A folk proverb. Typically more colloquial and concrete than , often reflecting folk wisdom.
• Khẩu hiệu (n): A slogan or motto. More modern and often used for campaigns or groups, less about universal wisdom.

Synonyms

• Câu nói (n): A saying, statement. (More general term)
• Lời răn (n): An admonition, advice. (Emphasizes the instructive aspect)
• Phương châm (n): A motto, guiding principle. (Often used for organizations or movements)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Lấy đó làm châm ngôn": To take that as a motto/precept.
  • "Tôi luôn lấy câu nói của cha tôi làm châm ngôn." (I always take my father's words as my guiding principle.)
• "Thuộc nằm lòng những câu châm ngôn": To know the sayings/maxims by heart.
  • "Bà tôi thuộc nằm lòng những câu châm ngôn dân gian." (My grandmother knows folk sayings by heart.)

noun

1. Saying, saw