chấp chưởng
Definition
- Verb (archaic, formal):
- To hold, to wield, to be in possession of: This term specifically refers to holding or wielding authority, power, or an official position. It implies a formal, often high-level, control or stewardship over something significant, such as military command or governmental power.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Ông ấy chấp chưởng binh quyền trong nhiều năm. (He wielded military power for many years.)
- Vị quan mới được giao chấp chưởng ấn tín. (The new mandarin was entrusted with holding the seal of office.)
Advanced Usage
- This word is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or very formal bureaucratic contexts. It is not used in modern everyday conversation.
- It often appears in phrases describing the control of specific symbols of authority, such as chấp chưởng binh quyền (to hold military authority) or chấp chưởng triều chính (to wield the administration of the court).
Variants and Related Words
- Nắm giữ (v): to hold, to keep. This is the modern, common equivalent for "to hold" in both literal and figurative senses.
- Quản lý (v): to manage, to administer. Focuses on the act of management rather than the formal possession of authority.
Synonyms
- To wield: To hold and use (power or authority).
- To hold: To have possession or control of.
- To command: To have authority over.
Notes on Usage
- Register: Archaic, literary, formal.
- Frequency: Very rare in modern usage. It is primarily encountered in historical texts, classical literature, or formal documents mimicking an archaic style.
- Connotation: The word carries a connotation of solemn duty and legitimate, often officially conferred, authority.