chữ cù

Definition

Noun: - The labor and toil of parents: A classical, literary term originating from Chinese poetic tradition, specifically referencing the hardships and exhausting efforts endured by parents in raising and nurturing their children. It encapsulates the concept of parental sacrifice and the debt of gratitude a child owes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Câu thơ "Ai ai phụ mẫu, sinh ngã cù lao" nhắc nhở về chữ cù. (The verse "Alas, my father and mother, who bore me with such toil" reminds us of chữ cù [parental labor].)
  • Trong đạo hiếu, không thể quên chữ cù của cha mẹ. (In filial piety, one cannot forget the chữ cù [toilsome labor] of one's parents.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively found in classical, literary, or philosophical discussions about Confucian filial piety (). It is used to evoke a deep, traditional sense of obligation and remembrance for parental sacrifice.

Variants and Related Words

• Cù lao (n): The toil and hardship of rearing children; the labor of parents. This is the more common two-word compound from which is derived.
  • Báo đáp cù lao của cha mẹ. (To repay the cù lao [parental toil] of one's mother and father.)

Synonyms

• Parental toil: The arduous labor of parents.
• Parental hardship: The difficulties and struggles faced by parents.

Related Concepts

• Hiếu (Filial Piety): The central virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors, of which remembering is a fundamental part.
• Ơn nghĩa sinh thành: The debt of gratitude for the grace of giving birth and rearing.