Definition

1. Noun:
   • Elders; forefathers; ancestors: Refers to the older generation, particularly one's fathers and elder brothers, or more broadly to predecessors and ancestors. It denotes respect for those who came before.
   • The older generation; predecessors: Can refer to people of previous generations in a family, community, or field, who are seen as role models or sources of wisdom.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chúng ta phải học tập tấm gương của cha anh. (We must learn from the example of our elders.)
  • Truyền thống tốt đẹp đó được cha anh ta gìn giữ qua nhiều thế hệ. (That beautiful tradition was preserved by our forefathers through many generations.)
  • Thế hệ trẻ ngày nay có nhiều điều kiện hơn cha anh ngày trước. (Today's youth have more advantages than the older generation before.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, respectful, and commemorative contexts, emphasizing duty, legacy, and learning from the past.
• It can be used metaphorically in organizational or professional contexts to refer to founders or pioneers.
  • Những thành tựu của cha anh trong ngành khoa học là nền tảng vững chắc. (The achievements of our predecessors in the scientific field are a solid foundation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tổ tiên (n): ancestors, forebears. This term is more specifically focused on direct lineage.
• Thế hệ đi trước (n): the preceding generation. A more descriptive, less formal phrase.
• Bậc tiền bối (n): seniors, predecessors (often used in professional or mastery contexts like arts, martial arts).

Synonyms

• Elders: Older and more experienced people, often in a community.
• Forefathers: Members of past generations, especially in one's family or nation.
• Ancestors: Persons from whom one is descended.
• Predecessors: Those who came before in a position or role.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Noi gương cha anh: To follow the example of the elders/forefathers.
  • Thanh niên phải biết noi gương cha anh dựng nước và giữ nước. (The youth must know how to follow the example of their forefathers in building and defending the country.)
• Công ơn cha anh: The gratitude owed to the elders/ancestors for their contributions and sacrifices.
  • Chúng ta mãi mãi ghi nhớ công ơn cha anh. (We forever remember the gratitude owed to our ancestors.)

1. Elders