Definition

1. Noun:
   • Elder, person belonging to one's parents' generation: A respectful term used to address or refer to a man who is of the same age group or social standing as one's father.
   • Uncle (in a broad, respectful sense): Used as a polite and affectionate form of address for older male relatives or close family friends, similar to "uncle" but emphasizing respect for an elder.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy là bậc cha chú của tôi. (He ranks with people of my parents' generation / He is an elder to me.)
  • Cháu chào các cha chú ạ! (Hello, uncles/elders! - said by a child or younger person.)
  • Những lời khuyên của các bậc cha chú rất quý giá. (The advice from elders is very valuable.)

Advanced Usage

• Used as a term of address: Commonly used by younger speakers to show respect when directly speaking to one or several older men who are not necessarily blood relatives.
  • Thưa các cha chú, chúng cháu xin phép ạ. (Dear elders/uncles, may we please have your permission.)
• Implies a familial or communal bond: The term carries a connotation of closeness, respect, and a quasi-familial relationship within a community, not just a formal title.

Variants and Related Words

• Chú (n): A specific term for a younger uncle (father's younger brother) or a polite address for a man slightly older than the speaker.
• Bác (n): A term for an uncle older than one's father or a polite address for a significantly older man.
• Cậu (n): A term for mother's brother.
• Bậc cha chú (n phrase): The generation of fathers and uncles; elders collectively.

Synonyms

• Bậc trưởng bối / Bậc lão thành: Elder, senior (more formal).
• Người lớn tuổi: Older person (neutral, descriptive).
• Elder: A person of greater age or seniority.

Notes on Meaning

• The term cha chú combines "cha" (father) and "chú" (paternal uncle, younger than father). Together, they represent the collective, respected generation of one's father and his peers.
• It is primarily a term of address and reference, not typically used for biological relationships alone. It emphasizes respect, seniority, and a communal/familial role rather than strict kinship.
• The reference context "personne de même rang que son père" (person of the same rank as one's father) accurately captures its core meaning of generational peerage.

1. Elder, person belonging to one's parents' generation
   • ông ấy là bậc cha chú của tôi
     he ranks with people of my parents' generation