Definition

1. Noun:
   • Ancestors, forefathers: Refers to one's predecessors in a family lineage, typically including grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and earlier generations. It carries a tone of respect and veneration.
   • The older generation, the elders: Can refer more broadly to the senior generation within a family or community, often implying wisdom and experience passed down.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chúng ta nên học hỏi từ những bài học của cha ông. (We should learn from the lessons of our ancestors.)
  • Truyền thống này đã được cha ông chúng ta gìn giữ qua nhiều thế hệ. (This tradition has been preserved by our forefathers through many generations.)
  • Lời khuyên của cha ông thường rất quý giá. (The advice of the elders is often very valuable.)

Advanced Usage

• "Công ơn cha ông": The merits/contributions of the ancestors.

  • Chúng ta không bao giờ được quên công ơn cha ông. (We must never forget the contributions of our ancestors.)

• "Theo gương cha ông": To follow the example of the forefathers.

  • Thế hệ trẻ ngày nay cần phải theo gương cha ông. (The younger generation today needs to follow the example of their forefathers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tổ tiên (n): Ancestors, forebears. This is a very close synonym, often used in more formal or ceremonial contexts.

  • Ngày giỗ là dịp để tưởng nhớ tổ tiên. (The death anniversary is an occasion to remember the ancestors.)

• Ông bà (n): Grandparents; can also be used broadly to mean ancestors.

  • Ông bà ta có câu "Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây". (Our ancestors have the saying "When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree".)

Synonyms

• Forebears: People from whom one is descended.
• Predecessors: Those who came before, especially in a family or position.

Related Phrases

• "Con cháu cha ông": The descendants of the ancestors.
  • Là con cháu cha ông, chúng ta có trách nhiệm bảo vệ đất nước. (As descendants of our ancestors, we have the responsibility to protect the country.)

Related Idioms

• "Cha ông ta đã nói" / "Ông cha ta đã nói": As our forefathers said... (Used to introduce a traditional proverb or piece of wisdom).
  • Cha ông ta đã nói: "Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim". (As our forefathers said: "With perseverance, you can achieve anything".)

1. như ông cha