có nết
Definition
- Adjective:
- Well-behaved, virtuous, having good character: Describes a person, typically a woman or girl, who possesses good moral qualities, is gentle, obedient, and conducts herself properly according to traditional societal expectations.
- Having good habits or traits: Can refer to someone who has cultivated positive personal qualities or manners.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Con gái tôi rất có nết. (My daughter is very well-behaved / virtuous.)
- Cô ấy không chỉ xinh mà còn rất có nết. (She is not only beautiful but also very well-mannered.)
- Bà mong các cháu lớn lên thành người có nết. (The grandmother hopes her grandchildren grow up to be people of good character.)
Advanced Usage
- Implied Cultural Context: The term "có nết" is deeply rooted in traditional Vietnamese values, often emphasizing ideals of female propriety, gentleness, diligence, and respectfulness. Its usage can sometimes carry a slightly old-fashioned or formal tone.
- "nết na": A common and closely related compound adjective.
- Cô dâu mới thật là nết na. (The new bride is truly gentle and well-mannered.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nết na (adj): Well-behaved, gentle, virtuous (often used for women). This is a very common synonym and variant.
- Nết (n): Trait, habit, virtue (the noun form). For example: (eating habits, living habits).
- Đảm đang (adj): Capable, industrious (especially in household management). This is a related positive trait often mentioned alongside "có nết."
- Hiền lành (adj): Kind, gentle. Shares the connotation of a mild and good temperament.
Synonyms
- Ngoan ngoãn: Obedient, good (commonly used for children).
- Đức hạnh: Virtuous (more formal and literary).
- Phải phép: Well-mannered, proper.
Antonyms
- Hư: Spoiled, badly behaved.
- Vô phép: Ill-mannered.
- Bướng bỉnh: Stubborn, disobedient.