Definition

1. Noun:
   • Christian believer, member of the flock: A term used in Christianity to refer to a believer, metaphorically seen as a member of a flock under the care of a shepherd (Jesus Christ or a priest/pastor). It emphasizes the relationship of guidance and care within the faith community.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Vị linh mục chăm sóc cho các con chiên của mình. (The priest takes care of his flock.)
  • Người đó là một con chiên ngoan đạo. (That person is a devout Christian believer.)

Advanced Usage

• "Con chiên ngoan đạo": a devout/pious believer.

  • Cô ấy được biết đến như một con chiên ngoan đạo trong giáo xứ. (She is known as a devout believer in the parish.)

• "Con chiên lạc": a lost sheep; a believer who has strayed from the faith or church community.

  • Vị mục sư luôn cố gắng tìm kiếm những con chiên lạc. (The pastor always tries to seek out the lost sheep.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chiên (n, archaic/religious): sheep. This is the root word, but in modern Vietnamese, "con cừu" is the common word for the animal. "Chiên" is now almost exclusively used in this religious compound "con chiên" or in biblical/religious contexts (e.g., "Chiên Thiên Chúa" - Lamb of God).

Synonyms

• Tín đồ (n): follower, adherent (can be used for religions in general).
• Giáo dân (n): layperson, member of a congregation (specifically Catholic).

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• The term "con chiên" is specifically Christian and carries a strong metaphorical and pastoral connotation. It is not a neutral term like "tín đồ" (follower).
• It is most commonly used in Catholic contexts in Vietnam but can be understood in broader Christian contexts.
• The word itself is a compound: "con" (a common noun classifier for animals and young beings) + "chiên" (sheep). It is treated as a single lexical unit meaning "believer".
• Avoid using it to refer to believers of non-Christian religions, as it is specific to Christianity.

1. Christian believer, member of the flock