cương dũng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Firm and brave; resolute and courageous: Describes a person's character as being both strong-willed, determined, and possessing bravery, especially in the face of adversity or when upholding principles.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Vị tướng đó nổi tiếng là một người cương dũng. (That general is famous for being a resolute and courageous person.)
- Anh ấy đã thể hiện tinh thần cương dũng khi bảo vệ lẽ phải. (He demonstrated a firm and brave spirit when defending what was right.)
Advanced Usage
- This is a classical, literary term often found in historical texts, formal writing, or speeches praising character. It is less common in everyday modern conversation.
- It is typically used to describe esteemed figures (leaders, heroes, scholars) known for their unwavering integrity and valor.
Variants and Related Words
- Cương nghị (adj): Resolute, firm, and steadfast (emphasizes determination more than bravery).
- Dũng cảm (adj): Brave, courageous (a more common, modern term focusing on bravery).
- Kiên cường (adj): Indomitable, resilient, tough (emphasizes endurance and strength).
Synonyms
- Cứng cỏi và can đảm: Tough and daring.
- Quả cảm: Valiant, gallant.
Related Idioms
- While "cương dũng" itself is not typically part of a common idiom, its components appear in classical phrases describing ideal character traits, such as the Confucian virtues expected of a noble person ().