Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Very pious; extremely filial: "chí hiếu" describes a person, typically a child, who demonstrates the highest degree of filial piety, devotion, and respect towards their parents or ancestors. It signifies an exceptional level of dutifulness and care.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là một người con chí hiếu, luôn chăm sóc cha mẹ chu đáo. (He is a very pious son, always taking meticulous care of his parents.)
  • Tấm gương chí hiếu của cô ấy được mọi người trong làng ngợi khen. (Her example of extreme filial piety is praised by everyone in the village.)
  • Lòng chí hiếu là một đức tính quý báu trong văn hóa Việt Nam. (Extreme filial devotion is a precious virtue in Vietnamese culture.)

Advanced Usage

• "chí hiếu" as a core cultural concept: The term is often used in formal, literary, or moral contexts to praise exemplary behavior. It carries strong cultural and Confucian connotations regarding family duty.
  • Câu chuyện về sự chí hiếu của chàng được lưu truyền qua nhiều thế hệ. (The story of his extreme filial piety has been passed down through many generations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hiếu (n, adj): Filial piety; filial. The root word meaning devotion to parents.
  • hiếu thảo (adj): Filial, dutiful.
• Chí (adv): An intensifier meaning "very," "extremely," or "utmost." Often used in compound adjectives to denote the highest degree.
  • chí tình (adj): Very sincere, deeply affectionate.
  • chí công (adj): Extremely fair and impartial.

Synonyms

• Hết lòng hiếu thảo: Wholeheartedly filial.
• Vô cùng hiếu thuận: Extremely filial and obedient (a more classical synonym).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Trăm thiện hiếu vi tiên": (A classical saying) Among all virtues, filial piety comes first. This proverb provides the philosophical background for valuing a state described as "chí hiếu."
• "Nuôi con cho tròn chữ hiếu": To raise children to fulfill filial piety. This phrase highlights the cultural goal, of which "chí hiếu" is the ultimate fulfillment.

1. very pious